St. Mary's Homeschool Co-op
🏡 Welcome to St. Mary’s Homeschool Co-op
Rooted in the heart of Southern Maryland, our secular co-op blends outdoor exploration, hands-on learning, and academic enrichment for ages 1–18. Sessions run from September through May with flexible 2–4 hour weekly meetups at local farms, libraries, and other nature spots and museums.
Located in Hollywood, MD with field trips throughout Southern Maryland and the DMV.
🍃 Outdoor Homeschool Co-op Sessions
Nature-based learning in forests, fields, and farms — rain or shine!
🎨 Hands-On Thematic Activities
Weekly themes with crafts, science experiments, and storytelling.
🚍 Field Trips & Local Adventures
Visits to farms, museums, zoos, the circus, and more!
👩🌾 Farm Life Education
Learn how things grow, meet the animals, and help with chores!
🌊 Bay & Waterways Exploration
Ecology lessons by the Chesapeake Bay and local creeks.
📚 Multi-Age Learning Pods
Grouped by age with opportunities for sibling connection and mentorship.
☀️ Seasonal Celebrations
Festivals, family days, and pop-up nature playdates throughout the year.
🪵 Portable Tent Classrooms
Large group tents set up in scenic spots = cozy outdoor learning hubs!
🧠 Academic Tutoring (Supplemental Upgrade) Small-group or 1:1 support tailored to your child’s needs.
💬 Parent Support & Community Events
Opportunities to connect, share resources, and build lasting friendships.
Our Educational Mission
🎓 Our Educational Mission at St. Mary’s Homeschool Co-op, is to cultivate a joyful, inclusive, and curiosity-driven learning environment rooted in nature, community, and connection. We believe that education flourishes when children are free to explore the world around them, guided by wonder and nurtured through play, creativity, and hands-on experiences. We are committed to:
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Supporting whole-child development through outdoor exploration, interdisciplinary learning, and collaborative projects.
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Fostering a love of learning across all ages and abilities, from toddlers to teens.
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Creating a safe and welcoming space for secular homeschool families of all backgrounds
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Empowering learners to engage meaningfully with their environment, their peers, and their local community.
By blending structured enrichment with child-led discovery, we aim to grow lifelong learners who are confident, compassionate, and capable of charting their own paths.
Co-op Services
What We Provide
Discover the diverse range of services we offer to enhance your homeschooling journey. From dynamic curriculum options to engaging extracurricular activities, we strive to create a well-rounded educational experience tailored to your child's interests and learning style.
Curriculum
Tailored Learning
Our customized curriculum focuses on providing a well-rounded education that meets each student's unique learning requirements. We offer a variety of subjects and teaching methods to ensure a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.
Activities
Enrichment Programs
Engage your child's interests and passions with our diverse extracurricular activities. From arts and sports to technology and nature exploration, our programs aim to foster creativity, teamwork, and personal growth in a fun and supportive environment.
Personalized Tutoring
Guidance and Assistance
We specialize in a variety of subjects, including Mathematics, Science, English, History, and Spanish. Our dedicated team of tutors is here to support learners at all levels, helping them to achieve their academic goals with confidence. Let's embark this educational journey together!
Community
Building Connections
Join our vibrant homeschooling community and connect with like-minded families. Through collaborative events, workshops, and social activities, we create a supportive network that fosters friendship, learning, and a sense of belonging.
Meet the Director
Hi, I’m Joey Hillan—an experienced educator, passionate parent, and the heart behind St. Mary’s Homeschool Co-op. With a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and years of hands-on classroom experience, I’ve dedicated my career to helping children learn through curiosity, creativity, and connection with nature.
Before founding this co-op, I served as a certified teacher in both public and private settings, including roles as a Head Start teacher and elementary educator for St. Mary’s County Public Schools. My teaching background spans early childhood through 5th grade, with a special focus on developmental growth, social-emotional learning, and inclusive, play-based instruction.
As a father, farmer, and lifelong learner, I created St. Mary’s Homeschool Co-op to blend everything I love—education, community, and the great outdoors—into one enriching program for children ages 1–18. Whether we're exploring the forest floor, conducting hands-on science experiments, or journaling by the creek, I believe the best education happens when children are free to explore the world around them.
I can’t wait to welcome your family into our community of curious minds and joyful learning.