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Arise Collaborative Academy (ACA) is a homeschool community where families gather weekly to learn and grow together. Students participate in enrichment classes, hands-on learning experiences, and shared activities while building meaningful relationships with other families.

ACA operates as a collaborative. Families contribute their time and gifts in different ways—teaching classes, assisting in the classroom, or serving in support roles that help the day run smoothly.

The goal of Arise is to support homeschooling families by creating a space where learning, friendship, and community can grow together.

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Arise Collaborative Academy welcomes students and families of all religions, personal beliefs, cultures, and backgrounds. While we do meet at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, we are not affiliated with the church or any particular church denomination. Yes, we have many academy members who hold Christian faith and values, but not all our families do. We are first and foremost a place of academic and community support for all homeschool students and families. Our goal is to support you in your journey, meeting you where you are and furthering your children's education through wisdom, wonder, and creativity. Where faith intersects education, it will be noted in the class descriptions and the instructors will present information to the students in an open and supportive way to value and respect each family's background and beliefs. 

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Arise Collaborative Academy serves students in 1st through 12th grade.

Classes are typically organized by age or grade range so students can learn alongside peers at a similar stage.

For families with younger children, Arise also provides spaces for younger siblings. A nursery is available for children ages 0–2, and a preschool room for ages 3–4. Kindergarten students participate in classes alongside 1st and 2nd graders, joining a mixed-age group during each class period.

Class offerings and groupings may vary slightly each term depending on the teachers and classes available.

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Arise gathers on Thursdays at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Gloucester.

Families arrive between 8:50 and 9:00 AM, and the day begins promptly at 9:00 AM. Students participate in two 70-minute class periods, with a short break in between for movement and reset.

Classes conclude around 11:30 AM, after which families are welcome to stay for lunch and fellowship outdoors when weather permits.

Because Arise is a collaborative community, parents remain on campus throughout the morning and serve in various roles that help support the classes and activities taking place that day.

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Because Arise Collaborative Academy is a collaborative community, it’s important that new families understand how the academy operates before joining.

The Family Interview is an opportunity to talk through how Arise works, answer questions, and make sure the expectations and rhythms of the academy are clear. It also allows both sides to determine whether Arise is a good fit for your family.

This conversation helps new families begin the year with a clear understanding of the community they are joining.

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No. Arise Collaborative Academy is not a drop-off program.

ACA operates as a homeschool collaborative, which means families participate together in the life of the academy. Parents or guardians are expected to remain on campus during Thursday Enrichment Days and scheduled events.

Many of our classes are taught by parents and community members. Families who are not teaching typically serve in other roles that help the day run smoothly, such as assisting in classrooms, supporting activities, or helping with events.

Participation and shared responsibility are part of what makes the Arise community possible.

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Arise Collaborative Academy operates as a collaborative, which means families contribute in different ways to help the community run well.

Some parents teach classes, while others assist in classrooms, help with set-up or clean-up, coordinate activities, or support events throughout the year. Each family is asked to take on a role that supports the academy during the year.

These shared contributions allow Arise to offer meaningful classes and experiences while keeping the community family-driven.

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While we believe the most meaningful experience comes from participating in the full academy day, attendance for the entire day is not required. Families have the flexibility to enroll in one or both class periods each quarter, customizing their ACA experience to fit their needs. Please note that the annual registration fee remains the same regardless of how many classes you choose.

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Families who thrive at Arise are those who enjoy learning in community and are willing to contribute to the shared life of the academy.

Because Arise operates as a collaborative, parents and students participate together in making the day meaningful. Families who value connection, are willing to serve in practical ways, and enjoy learning alongside others tend to find Arise to be a natural fit.

Arise works best for families who are looking for more than just classes, but a place to build relationships and grow within a supportive homeschool community.

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Families who join Arise commit to participating in the weekly Thursday gathering throughout the academic year. Consistent attendance helps classes run well and allows students and families to build meaningful relationships within the community.

Because Arise operates as a collaborative, families also contribute to the life of the academy by serving in roles such as teaching, assisting in classrooms, or supporting other needs that help the day run smoothly.

This shared commitment allows Arise to function as a family-driven learning community.

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Arise Collaborative Academy charges an annual registration fee as well as class fees for the courses students enroll in.

The registration fee helps cover facility costs, insurance, and the basic operating needs of the academy. Class fees vary depending on the class and help cover supplies and materials used throughout the term.

Because Arise operates as a collaborative community where families contribute their time and gifts, costs are generally lower than many traditional programs.

Current registration and class fee details can be found on the Admisstions & Registrations page of the website.