We exist to partner with homeschool families to provide children with a safe, encouraging, God-honoring place where they can learn and grow in a group setting. We recognize a need in the homeschool community for a stand-out program for enrichment in the fine arts. We are inspired by the Charlotte Mason method of education and seek to implement it each week the students are with us. Miss Mason said, “Let children feed on the good, the excellent, the great.” She believed, in part, that children should have before them a feast of living books and the opportunity to study the works of great composers and artists.
We meet weekly during the school year on Wednesdays Mornings. Below are semester and daily schedules with details such as start dates, times, holiday breaks, etc.
We’re offering a “feast” of classes in the areas of Music Appreciation, Art Study, and Literature. Students will be introduced to different genres of music, classical composers, notable artists, and living books. All subject areas will be taught with a Biblical worldview in mind. New for this school year, we're offering Pre-K Foundations for students ages 3-5 yrs old. To read more view the classes section below.
Tuition is $110/month for the first child; $80/month for each additional child.
There is a Supply fee of $50 per semester per child.
All fees are non-refundable and students are expected to commit to classes for the full school year.
The Supply fee will be paid up front, as well as the first month’s tuition in order to proceed with classes.
Happi Lynn Berger holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Millikin University. She has taught high school choral music and was also owner and operator of her private studio, Voices Unlimited, for twenty years. She has been homeschooling since 2006. She has been married to her college sweetheart Jerry for almost 25 years and they have three sons. Happi enjoys serving the children at Light House Church both as Waves Kids director and as a teacher of the Fine Arts Collective.
Karen Hedberg is wife and mom to two adult children and two dogs. She resides in Cary and attends The Hope Collective (formerly Alpine Chapel) in Lake Zurich since the year 2000. She loves Jesus, children, art, music and animals. Her love for art began as a child delighting in God’s beautiful creation. She hopes to spark the creative spirit she believes exists in every individual, releasing their personal expressions in various forms and techniques.
Courtney Witchie is mom to three girls, two of whom have graduated. She homeschooled for the last 14 years. She is passionate about homeschooling because she loves teaching children about faith and the character of Christ. She has been part of several homeschooling groups throughout her homeschooling career and has helped out in various ministries to children.
Michelle Vanderwalt has had a relationship with the Lord since she was 18 years old. She has been married to her husband, Justus, for 16 years and the Lord has blessed them with three wonderful children. She started homeschooling 4 years ago and plans to continue through high school. She is passionate about music and glorifying God through singing.
Leanne Woods has been married to her husband Paul for 28 years. Together they have three children who were all educated at home through various stages of their education. Paul and Leanne are the proud grandparents of two grandchildren and one more on the way. Their family moved to the USA from Northern Ireland in 1998. Leanne taught kindergarten at a hybrid two day a week school in California until moving to Illinois in 2012. As a veteran homeschool mom, Leanne understands the journey and challenges of being a homeschooling family. It is her passion to encourage this next generation of homeschoolers to know that God will provide all you need to succeed in the journey!
“We cannot measure the influence that one artist or another has on the child’s sense of beauty, upon his power of seeing, or as in a picture, the common sight of life…” - Charlotte Mason
Classes
Music Appreciation
Our degreed educators instruct students in basic musical concepts, music history, composers, and great musical works. We seek to do all things for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) so our curriculum reflects a Christ-centered worldview.
Music Appreciation
Music Appreciation I
Students ages 6-10 will be instructed in basic musical concepts, such as rhythm, pitch, and tone color. We will also explore music history, the lives of great composers, and various musical styles.
Music Appreciation II
Students ages 11-17 will be instructed in music theory concepts, advanced note reading, music history, composer study, and musical styles.
Age
Music Appreciation I is for students 1st-5th grade (ages 6-10) and Music Appreciation II is for students 6-12th grade (ages 11-17).
Teacher
Happi Lynn Berger. Click here to view teacher bio's.
Additional Costs
This class does not require additional fees. There is a general Supply Fee of $50 per student per semester due at the time of registration.
Fine Arts Choir
We believe that singing is an act of worship, and our collective strives to give students the necessary skills they need to develop as young worshipers.
Fine Arts Choir
Light House Worship Choir
Students will gather to sing music in unison and 2-3 part harmony, based on the number of students and ability levels. Some basic vocal techniques will be taught, such as proper breathing, posture, etc. Our focus will be worship music, with performance opportunities throughout the semester. Music Appreciation I or II is a pre-requisite. (Pre-requisites can be taken before or during this class)
Teacher
Happi Berger. Click here to view teacher bio's.
Age
All students K-12th grade are welcome.
When
Wednesdays from 12:35 - 1:30pm.
To see the full daily schedule, click here.
Additional Costs
This class does not require additional fees. There is a general Supply Fee of $50 per student per semester due at the time of registration.
Dramatic Arts
Students will learn about the different genres where drama can be utilized in the fine arts, including its place in musical theatre, improvisation, speech, public speaking/preaching, and more.
Dramatic Arts
Sr. High Drama I
The fundamentals of drama will be taught. This class will focus on scripted material and developing characters. Students will work on the following skills: memorization, listening, emoting, voice, and body language. Drama helps students develop confidence, listening skills, teamwork, public speaking skills, and creative thinking. Students will be encouraged to attend local plays and think about them from an actor’s or director’s perspective. God gave us the gift of creativity, and in Drama I, we hope to use this gift well.
Jr. High Improv
Improvisational comedy is a wonderful way to learn how to think on your feet! It is created entirely in the moment (unscripted). We are constantly improvising in life. Students will learn the fundamentals of short form improvisation while playing a variety of games! Improv promotes creativity, personal growth, and listening skills, while developing teamwork. Laughter is a gift from God… after all, HE created it!“ A merry heart does good like medicine” PROVERBS 17:22a
Teacher
Naomi Rogers. Click here to view teacher bio's.
Age
All students K-12th grade are welcome.
Additional Costs
This class does not require additional fees. There is a general Supply Fee of $50 per student per semester due at the time of registration.
Art Appreciation
We believe that art is a significant part of the creative process, given to us by the Creator Himself.
Art Appreciation
Art Appreciation
Art Appreciation students will gather to explore God as the ultimate Artist. We believe that each of us are His conduits of creative expression. We will create a variety of art projects, explore different art styles and techniques through the masters, learn about art history, and offer every individual the opportunity to discover their creative spirit within.
Teacher
Karen and Logan Hedberg. Click here to view teacher bio's.
Age
1st-5th - ages 6-10 (Art Appreciation I) and 6-12th - ages 11-17 (Art Appreciation II).
Additional Costs
This class does not require additional fees. There is a general Supply Fee of $50 per student per semester due at the time of registration.
Literature the Charlotte Mason Way
Students will be steeped in stories that come to life, that also are comprehensively linked to the Art and Music classes.
Literature the Charlotte Mason Way
Literature the Charlotte Mason Way
Charlotte Mason said this about living books: “Knowledge should be communicated in well-chosen language, because his attention responds naturally to what is conveyed in literary form” (A Philosophy of Education, p. xxx). She believed that the best books were “living books,” ones that draw the reader into the story, engage with the subject matter and characters, captivate the imagination, and develop critical thinking skills. Miss Mason said that “children respond more readily to life lessons and ideas when they are tucked inside a literary-style book, rather than when they are preached to them” (www.simplycharlottemason.com).
Teacher
Courtney Witchie (younger students) and Happi Berger (older students).
Click here to view teacher bio's.
Age
1st-5th - ages 6-10 (Literature the Charlotte Mason Way I) and 6-12th - ages 11-17 (Literature the Charlotte Mason Way II).
Additional Costs
This class does not require additional fees. There is a general Supply Fee of $50 per student per semester due at the time of registration.
NEW: Pre-K Foundations
During these preschool years, your little one will begin to build the foundations for a lifetime of learning.
Pre-K Foundations
Pre-K Foundations
During these preschool years, your little one will begin to build the foundations for a lifetime of learning. Our goal is to come alongside you as the parents in their education journey. Our class is open to children ages 3 to 5, and it will follow the Charlotte Mason approach to education. We will gently introduce basic number and letter recognition through story, song, play, and hands-on materials. Other topics that will be introduced through the school year will be the love of God’s Word, geography, science, handicraft, art, poetry, and music.
Please note Students must be 3 years old by 8/31/24, must be fully potty-trained and not regularly taking a morning nap (as our program is 3 hours in duration).
Teacher
Leanne Woods.
Click here to view teacher bio's.
Age
3-5 years old. Students must be 3 years old by 8/31/24, must be fully potty-trained and not regularly taking a morning nap (as our program is 3 hours in duration).
Additional Costs
This class does not require additional fees. There is a general Supply Fee of $50 per student per semester due at the time of registration.
Ready to get started?
Before registering for classes, please read the following carefully: The classes are offered as a comprehensive program (not a la carte). By registering for the classes, you are committing to a full year of instruction.
*Registration for new students is not final until an interview has been completed with the FAC team.
Policies and Procedures
Read our Policies and Procedures if you are considering attending the Fine Arts Collective. It's a quick read and outlines our process and sets expectations for parents, students, and teachers.
Happi Lynn Berger holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Millikin University. She has taught high school choral music and was also owner and operator of her private studio, Voices Unlimited, for twenty years. She has been homeschooling since 2006. She has been married to her college sweetheart Jerry for almost 25 years and they have three sons. Happi enjoys serving the children at Light House Church both as Waves Kids director and as a teacher of the Fine Arts Collective.
Karen Hedberg is wife and mom to two adult children and two dogs. She resides in Cary and attends The Hope Collective (formerly Alpine Chapel) in Lake Zurich since the year 2000. She loves Jesus, children, art, music and animals. Her love for art began as a child delighting in God’s beautiful creation. She hopes to spark the creative spirit she believes exists in every individual, releasing their personal expressions in various forms and techniques.
Courtney Witchie is mom to three girls, two of whom have graduated. She homeschooled for the last 14 years. She is passionate about homeschooling because she loves teaching children about faith and the character of Christ. She has been part of several homeschooling groups throughout her homeschooling career and has helped out in various ministries to children.
Michelle Vanderwalt has had a relationship with the Lord since she was 18 years old. She has been married to her husband, Justus, for 16 years and the Lord has blessed them with three wonderful children. She started homeschooling 4 years ago and plans to continue through high school. She is passionate about music and glorifying God through singing.
Leanne Woods has been married to her husband Paul for 28 years. Together they have three children who were all educated at home through various stages of their education. Paul and Leanne are the proud grandparents of two grandchildren and one more on the way. Their family moved to the USA from Northern Ireland in 1998. Leanne taught kindergarten at a hybrid two day a week school in California until moving to Illinois in 2012. As a veteran homeschool mom, Leanne understands the journey and challenges of being a homeschooling family. It is her passion to encourage this next generation of homeschoolers to know that God will provide all you need to succeed in the journey!
