HMLC Middle School is a relationship-centered program for learners in grades 5 through 8, located in downtown Lexington, Virginia. We take academics seriously while honoring each learner’s individuality, curiosity, and developing sense of purpose.
Our Philosophy
Adolescence is not a waiting room. Young people at this stage are ready for greater independence, deeper thinking, and meaningful work, and they learn best in environments where they are trusted, known well, and given real responsibility.
Relationships are the foundation of everything we do. When adolescents feel known and respected, they are more willing to take intellectual risks, engage with challenging material, and persist through difficulty. Adults at HMLC work intentionally to build genuine relationships with each learner and with families. We are mentors and guides, not content deliverers.
We believe learning is relational. Knowledge is not something adults possess and pass down. Learners engage actively with ideas rather than moving through them for the sake of completion. Core academic subjects give learners a shared language for understanding the world — tools they use to explore ideas, solve problems, and make sense of their lives. That foundation matters. So does what learners do with it.
Over time, learners develop two things we think about a lot: self-efficacy, the confidence that they can learn whatever they need or want to learn, and project fluency, the ability to break complex goals into manageable steps and carry meaningful work through to completion. The goal is not mastery of a fixed body of content. It is the capacity to direct their own learning long after they leave our classrooms.
We also attend to the whole learner. Intellectual development is closely connected to emotional well-being and a sense of safety. Time for movement, reflection, outdoor time, and genuine connection is built into every day.
Our community is rooted in mutual respect and shared responsibility. We practice listening before responding, approaching disagreement with curiosity, and taking ownership of our actions and commitments. Learners and adults alike bring their full selves to this space.
Academics
We take academics seriously and cover them in long, unhurried blocks that allow for real depth. We do not use rigid pacing, heavy homework loads, or constant testing.
History and Language Arts are taught together as an interdisciplinary block. Reading, writing, discussion, and historical inquiry are woven together around a central question each trimester.
Science emphasizes inquiry, experimentation, and understanding natural systems. Learners ask questions, design investigations, build and revise models, and practice defending explanations using evidence.
Mathematics is individualized. Each learner is assessed at the start of the year and placed in a small group that reflects where they are, receiving direct instruction alongside dedicated time for independent work and hands-on learning.
Curriculum is designed with attention to Virginia Standards of Learning so that future pathways remain open.
Assessment
We do not use grades as a method of assessment. Tests are occasionally used as a tool, not to evaluate performance, but to give learners experience with studying and test-taking and as one of many ways to reflect on their own progress.
Learners on academic days set personal learning goals at the start of each trimester and reflect on their progress regularly. This self-assessment is built into the rhythm of the week.
Rather than homework, we assign Independent Work: practice and tasks designed to build executive function, prioritization, and problem-solving skills. Time to complete Independent Work is built into the school day, with facilitator support available. Learners may also choose to do this work at home. We do not expect kids to attend school all day and then go home to do more work.
Each learner also works on a personal project throughout the year, something that reflects their own curiosity and puts their growing skills to work on something that matters to them.
Families attending three or more days per week receive a written progress report at the end of each trimester and the opportunity for a parent/teacher conference. At the end of the school year, these families also receive a Proof of Progress letter satisfying Virginia’s homeschool reporting requirements.
The Shape of Our Week
Monday and Wednesday are our History/Language Arts and Math days, with long academic blocks and time for discussion, writing, reading, and small group math instruction. Tuesday is our Science day, with an afternoon dedicated to supported project and independent work time.
Thursday is HMLC Project-Based Enrichment, our long-running project-based program open to the wider homeschool community. Learners spend the full day on a themed, multi-week project, working toward a Celebration of Learning at the end of each trimester. Learn more about Thursday enrichment.
Friday is our Electives day. Learners choose from offerings that rotate each trimester, including Book Club, a rotating arts or skills elective, and Excursions, a weekly outing into Downtown Lexington and the surrounding community. Learn more about Friday electives.
Who This Is For
This program is a good fit for families who value learner agency, strong relationships, and thoughtful academic rigor. It is designed for young people who are ready to take increasing responsibility for their learning and to engage seriously with ideas and meaningful work.
Some learners join us five days a week as their primary educational setting. Others come one, two, or three days a week to complement their home education. All are full members of our community.
Our community includes learners of all kinds, including many who have not thrived in traditional school settings. We are a neurodivergent-affirming and inclusive community that welcomes learners with ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, autism, and other learning differences.
Homeschooling and Virginia Law
Enrollment in our programs means enrolling as a homeschooler under Virginia law. Families are responsible for notifying their local school district of their intent to homeschool and for demonstrating annual proof of progress. We have experience guiding families through both requirements and are happy to help with the notification process and with documenting your child’s learning throughout the year.
Attendance and Tuition
HMLC is designed to meet families where they are. Whether your child joins us for one elective on a Friday afternoon or five full days a week, they become part of the same community.