FAQ

Yes, our core programs are focused on providing homeschool families with supplemental education enrichment. Most of our families choose their own academic curriculum based on their unique needs, which creates a hybrid experience when combined with The Social. We are launching a high school program in 2027 that will provide a full day of class, Monday through Friday. This will be one of the most innovative high school programs available in the state, filling the need for families solving the high school at home challenge. Stay tuned.

We do not provide instruction in standard academic subjects like math or language arts for our K-8 programs. However, our activities and projects reinforce many areas of academics that students are learning at home. This is intentional: our experience indicates students need less assessment and more exploration and play. As students progress, we identify gifts and interests and encourage their development. A more formal review of skills begins in middle school, though there are no graded activities. Our high school programs introduce focused science-based programs that can be used as credit on student transcripts. We use competency-based assessments and emphasize learning artifacts ("show what you know") to build strong portfolios for post-secondary and career readiness.

We follow seasonal and holiday themes for some projects. Students participate in hands-on, often collaborative activities that involve problem-solving, creativity, and exploration. Both our K-5 and 6-8th grade programs use PBL (Project Based Learning). For example, K-5 students might explore butterflies and design a new habitat, including a visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens. Our middle school program works through a problem-solving process used in vocational settings. High school students explore focused skill-based tracks across various vocations.

Our K-5 program centers on hands-on exploration, play, and creative discovery through themed projects. The middle school program takes a more structured PBL approach that mirrors problem-solving found in professional and vocational settings. Our high school program offers focused, skill-based tracks, including science, that families can use toward transcript credit. All three programs share the same core commitment to making, curiosity, and demonstrating competency through real work.

1st through 12th grade are welcome. We have flex programming for 4th and 5th graders who are ready for middle school-level challenges. We intentionally avoid limiting students by grade level. All students progress differently, and we respect that.

We use competency-based assessment: students demonstrate what they know through learning artifacts such as projects, presentations, and hands-on demonstrations. These artifacts build into portfolios that can support strong transcripts and show readiness for post-secondary education or career paths. The focus is always on what a student can actually do, not a test score.

Yes. Many of our families are figuring out their homeschool approach while they're with us. The Social is designed to complement whatever structure you have at home. We're not here to replace your academics, but to add something that school rarely offers: time to explore, make things, and develop real skills alongside peers. Our parent community is also a resource, connecting you with other families navigating educational freedom and choice.

You can register through the Registration page on our website. Space is limited and some programs maintain a waitlist, so we encourage reaching out early. Contact us at margo@thesocialzeeland.org or 616-820-9186 with any enrollment questions.

Yes. When a program reaches capacity we maintain a waitlist. If a current family cancels, the next family on the waitlist is offered their spot. Contact us to be added.

Tuition is paid yearly or monthly. If a student misses sessions that have been paid for, no refunds will be provided. Under extenuating circumstances where a student can no longer attend due to unexpected events, refunds may be considered. Please communicate via email to margo@thesocialzeeland.org or by phone at 616-820-9186.

If a student misses a session, the tuition for that day is still charged. If you decide to stop attending altogether, you will not be charged going forward. Once you cancel your spot, another family from the waitlist may take your place.

We encourage parents to stay in the vicinity in case their student needs them. The coffee shop and library nearby are great options, especially if you have younger siblings in tow. We also run a moms coffee group led by our team, a space to connect with other parents navigating homeschool life together. All moms are welcome to join.

Yes, we welcome parent participation. Space is limited, so students take priority if we reach capacity, and we love having engaged parents in the room.

Comfortable clothes they can move and create in. We work with hands-on materials regularly, so clothes that can get a little messy are a good idea. Bring a water bottle and any snacks you'd like (nut-free only, please). We'll communicate any session-specific supplies ahead of time.

Not on a regular basis. Some holiday or themed sessions may include food, and we'll communicate that in advance. We follow a strict nut-free policy for all food brought into the facility.

Yes. All leadership staff have received cleared background checks within the last two years and have worked with children in educational settings for several years.

We follow all legal mandates from the State of Michigan. Property owners may also enact rules in the spaces we use. We respect each participant's right to wear a face covering or not. We ask that students and families stay home if sick, fever-free for 24+ hours before returning.

We maintain a strict nut-free environment in our facility. This applies to all snacks, meals, and any food items brought to sessions or themed activities. Please check ingredient labels carefully. If you're unsure about a specific item, contact us before the session.

We are a private, for-profit educational support business that provides families with extracurricular enrichment and skill development. We are intentionally for-profit, which keeps us responsive to the families we serve rather than dependent on donors or government funding.

We use Love and Logic, a calm and non-confrontational approach to managing situations with kids. We also integrate Growth Mindset strategies to build self-confidence and encourage positive self-talk in our students.

We are located at 9479 Riley St, Suite 220, Zeeland, MI 49464.

Currently Zeeland is our only location. Interested in bringing The Social to your area? Contact us. We'd love to talk about what that could look like.

Our online program is launching in fall 2026. Stay connected through our newsletter or contact us to be notified when it becomes available.