EVANSTON — A private, tuition-based kindergarten thru fourth grade educational option is coming to Evanston this school year. Solid Rock Academy, located at Evanston Alliance Church at 235 Overthrust, was founded by three local women, administrators Makayla Ritterhouse, Kallie Martin and Jayden Little.

“From the ground up, it’s project-based, hands-on learning that offers an opportunity for growth,” Ritterhouse explained.   “We workshopped this. We met with the local homeschool coops, pastors and moms to get ideas.  We wanted something different for our children and God found a way. (The name was chosen because) it’s Biblical, it’s building your faith on a solid foundation. A children’s education is lifelong. If they have a good experience they will want to keep learning.” 

Little said the idea came to fruition because “our older children are starting kindergarten and we were looking for something that fits our needs. This is really a passion-based project for us.  It felt overwhelming - the planning, talking and faith - we really relied on each other. It’s been organic.”

While the three on-site administrators offer their daily services without pay, tuition funding will go towards paying their two educators. Brandy Robben is the language arts instructor and Michelle Lichtenberg will be teaching math and science. Both will teach social studies and specials including art, performing arts and physical education.

Lichtenberg and Robben, who hold bachelors and master’s degrees respectively, are both certified to teach and the school is fully accredited through the state of Wyoming.  Lichtenberg offers 33 years of experience working with children — 17 of those in in a variety of public-school roles.

“I love the vision they had. I love watching ideas start then watching them become something amazing,” she said.

She continued, “Project-based learning is exciting because kids get to focus at their level, working on their particular goals. We have the ability to flex to our students’ needs.  We also hope that we’re imparting leadership skills to our students.”

“My experience with littles comes from summer camps, substituting in elementary, in high school and middle school libraries and children’s yoga,” Robben told the Herald, explaining 20 years of involvement with education.

As for curriculum, Robben and Lichtenberg plan on using Hillsdale 1776 for social studies and civics, Core Knowledge for reading and writing, and Saxon for math.  Each day will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance and a warm up welcome. Students can expect two recesses. The day will culminate with a Biblical elective, though student families may opt for a course on emotional intelligence instead.

“It’s very family oriented, and parental participation is encouraged. We’re teaching things like cooking, gardening.  We’ll have service-oriented projects to provide things for the community,” added Ritterhouse.

Currently, enrollment will be capped at 25 students.  “We wanted to keep our classes smaller. ... We actually want to expand to fifth and sixth grade, but our vision is K-12 eventually,” Little said. “We’re advertising on Facebook, we’ll have a registration booth at the Farmer’s Market featuring a bouncy house and cotton candy, and we can take donations there and from non-families as well.”

There is also a meet and greet on Wednesday, July 17 at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served, tours will be available as well as a question-and-answer session.  The first day of school is slated for Sept. 3, though they plan to follow Uinta County School District’s calendar for the most part. The school day begins at 9 a.m. with dismissal at 3 p.m.

Tuition costs $5,999 per student. There is an interview process, student handbook and value statement involved in registration. Lunch is not offered at the school and will need to be brought from home daily.