Editorial by Sarah Collins – Guest Columnist
What if you could have the best of both worlds? What if you could finally find a balance? These are questions many people ask themselves in a multitude of difference scenarios. Some even ask these questions when it comes to their children’s education. Is it possible to have the structure of a traditional school combined with the freedom of homeschooling? Can there be both academic accountability and slow weekday mornings at home? This concept might seem outside the box, but this is what more and more families are looking for.
Since Riverstone Classical Academy was founded in 2022, many families in Manatee County have found the best of both worlds in their children’s education. Students enrolled in this classical Christian homeschool hybrid program attend academic and elective classes two and a half days of the week. Class sizes are intentionally small, and are led by experienced educators. Kids spend the day with their peers learning new concepts, discussing ideas, and playing together.
The remaining days of the week are spent under the instruction parents or caregivers, completing assignments sent home by their teachers. The intentionality of a homeschooling day typically allows students to finish their work in less time than it takes in a traditional classroom setting. This leaves more time for extracurricular actives, free play, and exploring personal interests. Most importantly, it gives families more time to spend together how they choose.
Riverstone may sound unique, but the program is just a part of a growing educational movement that is projected to steadily continue. According to the National Hybrid School Survey by Kennesaw State University, hybrid schools have existed for decades the United States, but almost a quarter were founded after 2020. The 2025 survey offers some insight into the lasting mark these programs have made: “The continuing emergence of new schools, often outside traditional regulatory categories, suggests that hybrid models are no longer a fringe phenomenon. They are becoming embedded in local education ecosystems and the concept is becoming more popular to families and founders.”
The classical aspect of Riverstone is another element that sets it apart from other programs in Manatee County. Classical education puts a strong emphasis on memorization, communication, and developing critical thinking. The number of classical schools has also risen each year, with parents seeking to return to traditional methods of education for their children.
This is especially true of Riverstone Classical Academy. The program was founded by a group of local moms in 2022; women who wanted the best of both world’s for their children, education rooted in truth, and a Christ-centered community. The program started with only 12 students enrolled (the founders’ kids), but has grown to over 65 students in just four short years. The parents of these students come from a variety of backgrounds, education, careers, and schedules. However they all have one thing in common: the desire for family focused Christian education for their kids.
Since the first year of operation, the faculty and staff has quadrupled in size and continues to grow each year with enrollment. Experienced Christian educators at Riverstone are what keep the program running smoothly! Their role is to introduce new concepts on academic days, prepare lesson plans for parents (co-teachers) to implement at home, and offer support as needed.
Although Riverstone serves only K-8th grade students, its influence has extended to high school. Etham Core Academy is a 9th-12th grade program. Founded in 2024 by parents of Riverstone graduates, Etham is the first program of its kind in Manatee County. Etham offers core high school classes that homeschoolers need to graduate, duel enrollment opportunities, and transcript support. Riverstone Classical Academy has a close partnership with Etham Core Academy.
The two programs work closely together to make sure students are prepared entering high school and beyond graduation. The benefit of Christian hybrid education is available to students of all ages!
Classical Christian homeschool hybrid is a mouthful, but these programs are on the rise! Many families are seeking the best of traditional Christian school combined with the freedom of homeschooling. Because of its unique structure, Riverstone Classical Academy has been the educational answer for numerous families in Manatee County.
Riverstone is accepting new application February 2 – March 2 RivestonClassicalAcademy.com
Etham Core Academy is currently accepting new applications. EthamCoreAcademy.com
