Who We Are...
Our History...
Hearthstone began in the late 1980's as a collection of families with a desire to Train up a child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6a). This was before homeschooling had become mainstream, before it had been declared legal in all 50 states, and before curriculum publishers would sell to individual families. So, they stepped out in faith, encouraged one another, and shared their resources. In this way, a foundation was laid.
By the early 1990's, this collaboration of friends had become the Christ-centered homeschooling ministry of Hearthstone. Under the loving guidance of founding member Cheryl Kliewer and the Advisory Board, the ministry continued to address the changing needs of private home educators.
The original families have long-since graduated their children and the baton of ministry leadership has been passed along to the next wave. Today, Hearthstone remains dedicated to coming alongside parents as they answer God's call to freely homeschool their children.
Who We Serve...
This ministry is primarily designed around the needs of families in and around the Santa Maria Valley who file their own affidavit as a California private school. However, we feel everyone is in need of Christian fellowship and support in their homeschooling journey. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6). Therefore, Hearthstone includes families registered in a Private Satellite Program (PSP), a public Independent Study Program (ISP), or a public charter school.
Hearthstone views all people as image-bearers of God and members of one race - the human race. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth (Acts 17:26a). We are all uniquely-made and meant to live in unity in Christ. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it (1 Corinthians 12:27).
As a support community, Hearthstone families work together in the planning and realization of activities and events throughout the year. Each family contributes in some way. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them (Romans 12:6a). This might mean serving on a field trip or event planning team, a hospitality crew handling snacks and decorations, or organizing a social activity for moms or kids.
Hearthstone is a member of:
California Home Educators Association (CHEA)
As a member of CHEA, we agree to comply with their expressed policies:
CHEA's Support Network Policies
Hearthstone also stands in support of:
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)