Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Many families rely on Leaves of Learning as a comprehensive educational solution that fulfills all their child's academic needs, much like a private school. Leaves of Learning offers academic and enrichment classes Tuesday through Friday. Students in our comprehensive curriculum attend three or four days a week.

Small classes allow more one-on-one instruction, time to address individual needs, and close relationships between students and teachers. Families combine Leaves classes and learning at home according to each student’s needs. Plan the full course of study with your family and teachers; the number of days on campus alone does not describe a complete education.

Yes. Leaves of Learning can be used as a full-time school—families may enroll in a complete, full-course load across core subjects and electives.

The published FAQ reports an average of ten students per class; its reporting period is not stated. This is an average, not a class-size limit. Ask Leaves about the group size for a class you are considering.

Age is often a good starting point when deciding how to place students in a group situation. However, students of the same age are not necessarily at the same place academically, socially, or emotionally. LOL offers multi-age classes spanning 2-3 years, allowing students to be placed where they fit best without the stigma of being "ahead" or "behind."

We advise parents not to automatically assume their child should be in an older group. A child's emotional and social needs are just as important as their academic needs. Our small class sizes usually allow us to challenge most students. We rely on our teachers to make group change recommendations.

Leaves hires teachers with subject knowledge who teach through hands-on learning and respect students. The published FAQ reports that about 40% have advanced degrees; its reporting period is not stated. Read individual teacher biographies and qualifications.

In February and June, students will receive a written evaluation of their work for each class they attend. These evaluations will include learning objectives for the class and information about how well these objectives were met by the student. Information about class participation, conduct attendance, and enthusiasm will be included as well.

Students in academic classes have the option to receive a letter grade in addition to the evaluation. While we hope that all students are motivated by the intrinsic joy of learning, we recognize that grades can be a motivator for some students. This is an attempt to individualize our program and to best meet students' needs.

Our program has limited support resources and can sometimes accommodate students with minor support needs. Please talk with Leaves about your child’s specific needs so we can determine whether the program can provide appropriate support. A specialist can also help your family consider other options.

Yes! Homeschooling doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor!

While all Leaves families are registered as "homeschoolers", that doesn't mean they do everything at home! For our families, a hybrid program of homeschooling and outside classes offers the best of both worlds: enabling them to set up a personalized education for each child based on individual needs and interests.

Flexibility is key! Some students take all their academic classes at LOL, complemented by enrichment classes. Others split their academics between LOL and home, while some complete all their academics at home and attend only enrichment classes at LOL. And there's everything in between! Families have the freedom to adjust their plans each year to meet their needs, ensuring ultimate flexibility.

It is recommended that students start classes in September, as classes are designed to run for the full school year. However, it is possible to start classes mid-year, depending on the class and availability.

Sawyer is the class registration portal. Families use it to register for classes, pay their initial material fees, and sign basic agreements such as family policies and the Tuition Contract.

Alma Start is the student onboarding portal. Families provide addresses, phone numbers, emergency contacts, important medical information, and other student details there.

FACTS manages tuition. Families choose a payment plan and securely add the payment information used throughout the program year.

Alma is the student information system. After Leaves staff completes onboarding, parents can view schedules, and students receive accounts for schedules, the directory, grades, and classwork.

For initial setup or updates, follow the Alma and FACTS instructions at the end of your Sawyer confirmation receipt email. If they are missing, contact Leaves before creating another account. Little Sprouts families must confirm availability and complete pre-admission before registering in Sawyer.

See the enrollment steps in order.

For home education under Ohio law (ages 6–18), notify the superintendent of your child’s school district of residence within five calendar days after starting home education, moving into a new district, or withdrawing from a public or nonpublic school. Send an annual notice by August 30 each year thereafter.

Include the parent’s name and address, the child’s name, and an assurance of instruction in English language arts, mathematics, science, history, government, and social studies. A curriculum outline and textbook list are not part of the notice required by the current law.

Sources checked September 17, 2026 (UTC): Ohio Revised Code 3321.042 and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce home education guidance.

No annual end-of-year assessment report is required for Ohio home education. The annual notification requirement still applies. This answer concerns home-education reporting, not testing requirements for other programs.

Sources checked September 17, 2026 (UTC): Hamilton County ESC’s assessment-reporting explanation and Ohio’s home education notification law.