dear parents,
Welcome to Pomegranate Christian Co-op Schoolhouse, where passion and purpose unite to create an extraordinary learning experience. Our co-op journey began with a vision ignited during my graduate studies in Education, where I reflected on and uncovered the puzzle pieces that made Pomegranate into what it is today. Since the birth of that vision, it took a decade of experimenting with the model, refining it to its current form. This journey resonates with Steven Johnson's idea from "Where Good Ideas Come From" that innovation often arises from collaborative networks, diverse influences, and serendipitous connections, rather than solely individual genius. Allow me to take you along on this educational journey to learn about the incredible people who showed the way, about our “why,” and the unique benefits and opportunities that await your family at our co-op should you decide to join.
puzzle piece 1:
Deep Socratic Discussions for Critical Thinking
My educational journey began in Moldova before the dissolution of the Soviet Union. During those formative years, my school offered a solid academic foundation. Yet, alongside this foundation, a troubling narrative persisted, prohibiting independent thinking and personal beliefs. Navigating through this environment proved challenging.
However, this experience served as an important stepping stone and puzzle piece in creating Pomegranate. When reflecting on the detrimental impact of these rigid constraints on independent thought and personal beliefs, the first building block for our school emerged: safeguarding the sanctity of thought and personal beliefs, nurturing inquiry, introspection, and the pursuit of truth and meaning in life.
Today, in Pomegranate learning spaces, Socratic Discussions reign supreme—a daily pilgrimage into the depths of reason and reflection on heroes, history, and self-governance. For, in the words of the ancient sage Socrates, an unexamined life is but a shadow—a hollow vessel devoid of purpose or passion.
Puzzle piece 2:
Life-relevant/Real-World Skills & Character
In the vibrant backdrop of California in the early 1990s, during my pre-teen years, I transitioned from the rigid remnants of the Soviet Union's education system to the lively atmosphere of American academia. Skipping almost an entire grade, I found myself thrust into the tumultuous currents of 7th and 8th grade, grappling with mastering a new language. The ESL program, lacking today's technological marvels, offered little solace, leaving many adrift in a sea of incomprehension.
As each year passed, academic frustration weighed heavily, culminating in a dismal 9th-grade report card that shattered my belief in my academic abilities. In 10th grade, I abandoned academia for full-time employment at 15.
But amidst this uncertainty, I found hope in a new faith community, where acceptance and encouragement fostered a newfound sense of purpose. Under the guidance of Christian mentors who recognized potential in what others deemed failure, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. This journey involved developing character and habits essential for a more meaningful life, as well as exploring passions and nurturing talents through diverse creative ministries.
This experience served as a stepping stone and another puzzle piece, revealing a truth beyond traditional education: the journey of self-discovery and personal development is as vital as knowledge itself.
Pomegranate’s learning model reflects this ethos, emphasizing real-world, life-relevant skills and personal talents/gifts. Rooted in learning to Be, Do, and Learn, we reject knowledge (learning to Know) in isolation. True wisdom blossoms when we first cultivate curiosity, grit, passion, and interests. Only then do we gain the knowledge and understanding that goes beyond rote memorization and grades.
Puzzle piece 3:
The Power of Purpose
In my late teens and early twenties, my interest in books on understanding human behavior and self-improvement fueled my determination to become a psychologist. During this time, I also discovered 'The Purpose Driven Life' by Rick Warren, which profoundly influenced both my personal and professional journey and became another piece of the puzzle in our learning model.
With newfound purpose, I enrolled in college, despite facing challenges from an interrupted education due to immigration to the United States. Despite hurdles, my sense of purpose drove me forward. I tailored my learning journey to align with my passions and goals, ultimately graduating with a two-year degree before pursuing a psychology major at the University of California, San Diego.
The big takeaway? Knowing your purpose changes everything, turning life's challenges into a quest, a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
At Pomegranate, our educational model empowers students to discover their purpose early on, inspiring them to change the world. Our mission is to provide purpose-driven education, inspired by 'The Purpose Driven Life.' This encompasses five core principles in our curriculum: Knowing God, Serving People, Finding Belonging, Pursuing Growth, and Changing the World.
Puzzle piece 4:
Learner-Driven Model & Montessori Philosophy
IThe fourth stepping stone emerged during the final stretch of my undergrad days, when the path ahead seemed set in stone. Knee-deep in my Psychology degree, a curveball came my way—a course on Parenting. One day, our professor invited a guest speaker, a Montessori expert, who was a game-changer. They painted a picture of education unlike anything I had seen—an education that fosters independence, self-discipline, and critical thinking. Suddenly, it all clicked for me. That 'aha' moment hit like a ton of bricks and became the next piece in the puzzle.
Traditional schooling left me, a Learner that didn’t fit the mold, feeling out of place. But with Montessori, I saw a different path—one that could have changed my entire educational journey. It was a lightbulb moment, a realization of what could have been done differently, not just for me, but for countless others. This moment led me to pivot from Psychology to Education for my graduate studies. It was the best decision I ever made.
The big takeaway? One size does not fit all in education. I experienced firsthand the shortcomings of traditional schooling. That’s why, in our learner-driven model rooted in Montessori philosophy, we empower students by putting the power back in their hands. (Please note, even though we incorporate Montessori philosophy, we are not a Montessori school.)
Our principles include a prepared environment, auto-education, freedom, independence, the multi-age classroom, child-directed work, and uninterrupted self-paced work periods. When a child takes charge of their learning journey, magic happens—it becomes meaningful, sticks, and, most importantly, becomes personal. And that, my friend, is what we’re all about.
Puzzle piece 5:
Finding an Alternative
The fifth stepping stone in my journey unfolded during a pivotal moment while pursuing my Master’s in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum, coupled with field experience. Over two years, I immersed myself in the world of public schools, and let me tell you, something inside me started to shift—a growing disillusionment with the entire system.
You see, since the dawn of public schools in America in the 1830s, much has changed. Yet, in many ways, our schools are still stuck in the past, clinging to outdated structures and rigid curricula. It's like they're trapped in factory mode—ringing bells, separate grades, separate classes, separate everything, you name it.
But here's the kicker: what really set off alarm bells for me were the new, controversial curriculum mandates rooted in harmful ideologies. Back then, they were just seeds or sprouts, but fast forward to today, and some of those seeds have grown into full-blown nightmares in the last few years. I had to face it, government/public education isn't neutral, cannot by nature be neutral, and that there's no such thing as neutral education. R.C. Sproul said it best: “All education is religious—it will either instill values that align with the truth of God or create a worldview that subverts it.”
As I continued my graduate work, these questions gnawed at me: What environments truly nurture our kids' learning? And how can we offer quality alternatives to public education that won't break the bank for those seeking faith-based education?
How did this experience serve as a stepping stone and another piece in the puzzle? From grappling with these questions, a vision was born in 2013/14—a flexible, faith-based, financially feasible alternative school model. Personalized (to fit each learner), learner-driven (to let kids own their own learning), applied (to let kids learn by doing), accessible (to be financially and geographically accessible for all families), and tech-enabled (to leverage technologies that allow kids to learn at their own pace)—this vision was followed up by a decade of learning from the best, succeeding, networking, failing, succeeding, experimenting, and failing again. And that’s how Pomegranate Christian Co-op Schoolhouse came about.
Beyond Formal Education
Since 2013/14, my vision has fueled a decade-long journey of growth, passion, challenges, and blessings. In 2014, we welcomed our daughter and in 2015, we launched our first Montessori-Reggio-inspired preschool. The overwhelming response led to several more locations, spreading our unique educational approach. Inspired by Acton Academy, we elevated our mission in 2020, launching a K-12 co-op program affiliated with their network. Our hybrid approach blends homeschooling, private education, and cooperative learning, nurturing curiosity and faith. Witnessing the impact reaffirms my belief in every child's genius and potential. Our goals and mission are clear: guide every child to discover their purpose and empower others to embrace modernized schooling. Establishing 15 schoolhouses independently and in collaboration with others since 2015 showcases the possibilities of passion and determination. Join us in bringing innovative faith-based learning to every child, one step at a time.