
The Little Way is an intentionally Catholic homeschool enrichment program where K-8 students participate in Mass and receive instruction in literature, music, and the Catholic faith. Join us as we learn and grow together in a friendly, fun, and faith-filled environment!
This program is made possible by the wonderful volunteers who give of their time and talents. In order to continue Little Way, we need your help. Let us know if you would be interested in helping us cultivate this community.
The Little Way will meet on Wednesdays from September 3rd to May 13th for the 2025-26 academic year. Each week we gather at 9:00am for a family Mass at the church. Students then move to the classrooms in Hobert Hall for age specific literature instruction. This is followed by choir. At the end of the morning, all ages return to the church to pray the Angelus together. Dismissal is from the church at 12:00pm.
Curriculum
Lower Elementary (K-1)
Class I – Literature Course
Class II – Choir
Middle Elementary (2-3)
Class I – Literature Course
Class II – Choir
Upper Elementary (4-5)
Class I – Literature Course
Class II – Choir
Middle School (6-8)
Class I – Literature Course
Class II – Choir
Registration
The Little Way Homeschoolers group is committed to helping our Catholic homeschoolers grow closer to Christ, learn about their Catholic faith, and find support in a friendly community. We also strive to make this program as affordable as possible. After submitting the application form below, please wait for an email confirming that we have spots available in the program for your children.
Upon acceptance into the program, all families agree to make a $30 donation to the parish, and also to pay a $20 supply fee for each child per course. (E.g. A family with two children would pay $30 donation + $20 + $20 + $20 + $20 = $110.)
Schedule
9:00-9:30 | Family Mass
9:30-9:45 | Snack & Opening Prayer
9:50-11:10 | Literature Classes
11:15-12:00 | Choir*
12:00 | Angelus Prayer & Dismissal
*Students K-3 will spend the first half of choir at Hobert Hall for instruction while the older students begin choir. Younger students will then join the older students in the choir loft at 11:40.
FAQ
What books will the students be reading in the literature classes?
Our teachers are planning out reading lists full of great, age-appropriate classics. Last year, the lower elementary groups read a lot of picture books together (with authors like Tad Hills, Janet Stevens, Jon Klassen, Henry Cole, and Kate DiCamillo) while upper elementary group read books like Charlotte’s Web (E. B. White), The Wild Robot (Peter Brown), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Roald Dahl). Our Middle Schoolers have read books like Watership Down (Richard Adams) and Voyage of the Dawn Treader (C. S. Lewis).
Can I just drop off my child for the program?
We expect parents to stay and participate in the 9:00am Mass. After Mass, you will drop off your child (or children) in Hobert Hall and pick them up again at 12:00pm from the choir loft.
Can I stay at the church during Little Way?
You are welcome to spend some time in prayer in the church. If it’s nice out, you might opt to be outside, sit in your car, walk at the park across the road, or spend time downtown at the local coffee shop. Parents will not be permitted downstairs in the classroom area between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
I would love to teach! How might I get involved?
We would love to hear from you! Please email us about any possible openings.
Do we need to be registered members of St. Bridget of Ireland Catholic Church in order to participate in the co-op?
You do not need to be a registered member of St. Bridget, but you will find yourself attending Mass there each week through our Family Mass (9:00 AM). Our program is intentionally Catholic and we hope not only to nurture the faith of the children, but to strengthen our parish family as well. If you would like to register at St. Bridget, you may do so here.
When is payment due?
We ask that you make the $30 donation to the church and $20 classroom supply donation/class before the first day (September 3). This can be done at a weekend mass, or anytime through FaithDirect. The classroom fee funds the supplies, material, and curricula each teacher will need to purchase and prepare for your child. Because of this, it will be nonrefundable.
I submitted an application; when can I expect to hear back?
You should hear back from us shortly! We will be reviewing your application to make sure we still have space for the age group selected. You may contact us anytime by email.
Will the children’s choir be performing during the year?
Parents will receive dates in advance for any performances planned. (In other words, to be determined!)
How did you come up with the name, The Little Way Homeschoolers?
In our admiration of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, we are committed to providing ‘ordinary things with extraordinary love’ to our children. Like St. Thérèse, we want to show God’s goodness in all the little things we do.
How do the music classes work?
All students will have choir every week in order to prepare to sing at Mass throughout the year. Older students will spend the entire block with Mr. Youngblood working on choir music. Younger students will begin with Mr. Smith each week for basic music instruction, interactive songs, and extra practice with lyric memorization.