What age groups do you serve, and what does each program offer?
Starting Fall 2025, we offer three programs based on age and learning readiness:
- Little Explorers (Ages 3–5):
Focuses on early foundational learning with the Experience Curriculum — hands-on, play-based activities that build literacy, social skills, and curiosity. - Pathfinders (Ages 6–7):
A micro-school program based on TN homeschool laws, using Moving Beyond the Page to focus on reading readiness, early literacy, math, science, and creative learning. Some exceptions are made for 5-year-olds depending on learning readiness. - Trailblazers / Enrichment (Ages 7+):
A fun, enrichment-based program with art, science, creative writing, nature exploration, and more — with added structure from the Blossom and Root curriculum.
Children are placed by learning readiness, not just age, to ensure the best fit.
Fall 2025 Semester
Q: When does the Fall 2025 semester start and end?
A: The Fall semester begins on August 4, 2025, and ends on December 18, 2025.
Q: What breaks are included during the Fall 2025 semester?
A:
- Labor Day Break: September 1, 2025
- Fall Break: October 13–17, 2025
- Thanksgiving Break: November 24–28, 2025
Q: How long is the Fall 2025 semester including breaks?
A: The Fall semester runs approximately 18 weeks including the scheduled breaks.
Winter/Spring 2026 Semester
Q: When does the Winter/Spring 2026 semester start and end?
A: The Winter/Spring semester starts on January 5, 2026, and finishes on May 21, 2026.
Q: What breaks are included during the Winter/Spring 2026 semester?
A:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 19, 2026
- Mid-Winter Break: February 16–20, 2026
- Spring Break: March 30–April 3, 2026
Q: How long is the Winter/Spring 2026 semester including breaks?
A: The Winter/Spring semester runs approximately 19 weeks including the scheduled breaks.
Summer Camp
Q: Are Hidden Bee Farm, Hidden Bee Learning, and Hidden Bee Learning Summer Camp the same thing?
A: No, they are separate entities. Hidden Bee Farm is our animal rescue and farm operation. Hidden Bee Learning is our homeschool enrichment program, while Hidden Bee Learning Summer Camp is a seasonal camp run independently from the farm operations.
Our Staff
Q: Who staffs the programs at Hidden Bee Learning and Hidden Bee Learning Summer Camp, and how are they vetted?
A: Both our enrichment learning programs and summer camps are staffed by paid employees who have undergone thorough background checks and CPR training to ensure the safety and well-being of our participants. While both our employees and volunteers undergo background screening, volunteers are not present during camp sessions – only our trained, paid staff are on-site. Camp staff also receive training in safety and supervision practices.
Where Are You Located?
A: Hidden Bee Learning is set on a beautiful, historic 1843 farm. Our property is not only home to the learning program but also hosts a dedicated farm animal rescue and sanctuary. This unique and peaceful setting provides the perfect backdrop for kiddos to learn, explore, and connect with nature. Here, children have the chance to interact with rescued farm animals, participate in farm activities, and experience hands-on learning in an engaging outdoor environment.
Are You a Faith-Based Program?
A: No, Hidden Bee Learning is not a faith-based program. We intentionally steer away from topics related to faith and politics. We firmly believe these discussions and teachings are personal and are best guided by families at home. Our goal is to support families by respecting and leaving these matters to parental discretion.
Is potty training required?
Yes. All children must:
- Be fully potty trained
- Use the toilet independently
- Be able to manage hygiene on their own
Children requiring assistance must have prior approval and meet guidelines.
What are the program hours?
- Little Explorers: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Pathfinders: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Trailblazers / Enrichment: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What is the tuition and payment policy?
- Semester-based program
- Weekly automated payments (biweekly/monthly available upon request)
- $50 non-refundable deposit per child, per program
- 10% sibling discount
- Deposit refunded only if a spot is not available
- Q: How much does the Hidden Bee Learning Summer Camp cost?
- A: Summer camp costs are separate from our regular enrichment programs and vary based on the specific camp. You can find more information, including pricing and registration details, on our Summer Camp Sign-Up and Information page.
- Q: Do you have any scholarship programs?
- A: We currently do not offer formal scholarship programs. However, we are committed to keeping our prices as low as possible and minimizing price increases. If your family needs assistance, please reach out – while we cannot make guarantees, we will do our best to work with you.
Are make-up days offered?
Yes, when available — for illness, closures, or emergencies.
Make-up days depend on space and staffing.
What if we need to withdraw mid-semester?
We ask for full semester commitment.
If something comes up, contact us — we’ll do our best to help!
Will my child interact with animals?
Yes!
While this isn’t an animal-focused program, animals are part of farm life.
Children will interact with animals occasionally, always with safety rules in place.
Are You a Farm Program?
A: No, Hidden Bee Learning is not specifically a farm program. While we do operate a dedicated farm animal rescue and sanctuary on-site—and yes, children absolutely have the wonderful opportunity to interact with, care for, and learn about the animals—our primary focus is on providing an engaging learning and enrichment experience for homeschool children.
We create a welcoming space for socialization and friendship, something that homeschool families often find challenging to access elsewhere. Our goal is to blend meaningful learning experiences, interactive group activities, and hands-on projects within a unique environment that fosters connections, confidence, and growth for all our students.
Are there bees on the farm?
Yes, there are bees — but they’re kept at a safe distance from learning areas.
We spend lots of time outdoors, especially in nice weather.
What is your student-to-teacher ratio?
- Little Explorers & Pathfinders: 10:1 (kept under 12)
- Trailblazers: Capped at 24 students
- Each group has a floating or full-time aide, depending on size
Will I need to purchase supplies?
- Occasionally there is a small supply fee
- Field trips or special events may have costs if your child participates We work hard to keep costs low and transparent
What should my child bring and wear?
- Weather-appropriate clothes
- Closed-toe shoes (required)
- Water bottle, sunscreen, and towel on outdoor days We’ll always send reminders when needed
Do you support children with special needs?
Yes!
We’re proud to be inclusive. Please reach out to discuss your child’s needs so we can plan the right support together.
What’s your outdoor play policy?
We love outdoor time! Here’s how we handle weather:
- Above 45°F: Normal outdoor play
- 40–45°F: Short play (10–15 minutes)
- Below 40°F: We stay indoors
Please dress your child accordingly for the season!
Farm Hours, Gate Schedule & Safety Expectations
The farm gates will open at 8:50 AM and the program day officially runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, unless otherwise noted for a special event or extended program.
- Gates close promptly at 9:15 AM
- Gates reopen briefly at 12:15 PM for scheduled pickups
- Gates close again at 1:30 PM
Please plan to arrive on time. If you are running late, you must notify us so we can plan accordingly and ensure your child is safely transitioned into the day.
Are you a nut-free facility?
We’re nut-aware, but not nut-free. Here’s what that means:
- No food sharing is allowed—each child only eats what they bring from home.
- Meal and snack times are supervised to help prevent accidental exposure.
- We don’t serve any nut products and strongly encourage families to pack nut-free lunches.
- However, we are not a certified nut-free facility.
A few important notes:
- There is a walnut tree on the property. It’s in an outdoor area that children may walk past or play near. We do not use or serve the walnuts, but they’re naturally part of the farm landscape.
- Animal feed used during chores may include soy or corn—but no nuts. Children may handle this feed during animal time.
If your child has a nut allergy (or any food allergy), please note it on your registration form. We’ll follow up with a detailed allergy form to ensure we fully understand your child’s needs and can take all necessary precautions.
What about other food allergies?
We’ve supported children with allergies to:
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Soy
- Eggs
- And more!
We’ll work with you to accommodate your child’s needs wherever possible. Just make sure to tell us on the registration form, and we’ll reach out if more info is needed.
What if my child has allergies to animals or feed?
This is a farm environment, so animal contact is part of our daily routine. If your child has any contact allergies, including sensitivities to animal dander, hay, straw, or feed grains, let us know so we can make adjustments or provide alternatives.
Boundaries & Respect for the Farm
To maintain a safe and respectful environment for both children and animals, we ask that all families follow these important guidelines:
- Do not remain on the property before or after program hours unless you’re part of a scheduled event. We are not staffed to supervise outside of program times.
- Siblings must stay with parents or guardians at all times—no running freely, unsupervised play, or approaching animal areas.
- Do not touch, feed, or enter animal spaces unless specifically invited by a staff member. Our animals are rescues and many have special needs or trauma histories.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping Hidden Bee a calm, safe space for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike.
How do I contact you?
Hidden Bee Learning @ Hidden Bee Farm
753 Carters Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
contact@hiddenbeefarm.org 931-674-1790
www.hbeelearning.com
