Our Story: How Arise Began

Arise began in 2019 around a kitchen counter — with a handful of children, a couple of mamas, and a shared desire to form a passionate homeschool community rooted in educational excellence and authentic relationships.

What started with a simple gathering has, year by year, grown and evolved into a thriving community of families committed to learning, connection, and growth. Along the way, we have adapted, dreamed, and built something that remains true to those early kitchen-table hopes: a place where families could belong, children could flourish, and education could be approached with wonder and depth.

In April 2025, Arise took another important step forward by becoming an official nonprofit organization. With this milestone, we transitioned from Arise Homeschool Family Co-Op to Arise Collaborative Academy and a new leadership structure designed to steward our mission with wisdom and care. 

Our Mission

Arise Collaborative Academy exists to create a new path for education by fostering a collaborative environment where families thrive together. We empower homeschoolers to build a rich, community-driven educational experience that upholds parental rights, strengthens relationships, and equips children to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our Vision

Arise Collaborative Academy (ACA) is deeply rooted in central Gloucester County, Virginia, serving local and neighboring communities by offering an innovative first through twelfth grade educational option. ACA empowers homeschool families to work collaboratively to provide their children with enriching opportunities for academic, social, and emotional growth within a thriving, supportive community. ACA integrates and expands by leveraging existing infrastructure and resources through partnerships with the broader community, fostering a symbiotic relationship that benefits all.

Our Values

Compassion - We interact with others with humility, kindness, and empathy, valuing every individual’s unique contributions and perspectives. We strive to create a joyful and warm environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.

Curiosity - We are committed to fostering creativity, curiosity, and an open-minded approach to learning and relating with others. With flexibility and a willingness to adapt, we inspire families to explore new ideas, embrace challenges, and grow together as a community.

Clarity - We prioritize clear communication, transparency, and purposeful actions in everything we do. By fostering understanding and trust, we create a reliable and harmonious environment where goals are pursued with focus and integrity.