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Welcome to Common Ground School.

Common Ground School is a part-time homeschool enrichment and experiential learning program for children ages 3–15 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Rooted in curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and human connection, our program is inspired by progressive educational philosophy, experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and democratic education. We believe meaningful learning happens through relationships, exploration, reflection, and real-world engagement.



Our educational approach draws inspiration from the work of John Dewey and other child-centered educational traditions that value inquiry, belonging, creativity, ethical thinking, and respect for the dignity of every learner. We are also guided by Unitarian Universalist values of compassion, pluralism, justice, curiosity, and care for the interconnected web of life.

As parents and educators, we bring together a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University with minors in Public Health, Human Sexuality, and Studio Art, along with a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from the University of Auckland and a Diploma in Horticulture from Open Polytechnic New Zealand.

Piha, Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand

Castle Hill, New Zealand

My husband holds a degree in Computer Science from Indiana University with a minor in Mathematics.

Together, we aim to create a learning environment that blends science, technology, philosophy, ethics, art, ecology, systems thinking, literature, and hands-on experience into a thoughtful and engaging education.

At Common Ground School, we believe education should help children:

• develop intellectual curiosity
• build practical and creative skills
• ask meaningful questions
• think critically and ethically
• care for their communities and environment
• discover their passions, strengths, and sense of purpose

Birdlings Flat Beach, Christchurch, New Zealand

Our curriculum combines foundational academics with project-based learning, engineering, programming, geography, philosophy, environmental education, literature, systems thinking, creative expression, and real-world exploration through books, discussions, experiments, games, art, nature, and community experiences.

Most importantly, we believe learning should feel alive.

Castle Hill, New Zealand

This blog documents our journey, projects, reflections, resources, and experiments as we work to build a meaningful education rooted in curiosity, humanity, creativity, and connection.





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