Valley Farm and Trade
Hands-on Education in Agriculture,Trades and Arts
VALLEY FARM AND TRADE Hands-On Homeschool Enrichment in Agriculture, Trades, Baking, and Arts
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Welcome Letter
2. Our Mission & Philosophy
3. Program Overview
4. Learning Areas & Activities
5. Baking, Crafts & Student Enterprise
6. Safety & Supervision
7. Tuition & Budget Transparency
8. Daily & Weekly Rhythm
9. Enrollment Policies
10. Contact Information
1 — WELCOME LETTER
Dear Families, Thank you for your interest in Valley Farm and Trade. We are honored to partner with homeschooling families by offering a hands-on, cooperative-style learning environment rooted in meaningful work, practical skills, and community. We provide a unique educational environment where young people learn by doing . Our program is designed for children who thrive when they are trusted with real responsibilities, guided by skilled adults, and given opportunities to create, build, and contribute. Through agriculture, trades, baking, crafts, and life skills, students gain confidence, capability, and a sense of purpose. This booklet outlines our philosophy, program structure, learning areas, tuition, and enrollment policies. We look forward to learning alongside your family. Warmly,
The Valley Farm and Trade Team
2 — OUR MISSION & PHILOSOPHY
OUR MISSION
To support homeschooling families by providing a hands-on, cooperative learning environment where children develop confidence, practical skills, and a strong work ethic through agriculture, trades, baking, and the creative arts.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At Valley Farm and Trade, we believe children learn best through active participation in real work. Students are guided by experienced adults who model skills, ensure safety, and respect each child’s developmental stage and interests.
Our program emphasizes:
● Hands-on, project-based learning
● Purposeful work with real outcomes
● Guided instruction with room for choice
● Responsibility, follow-through, and craftsmanship
● Community contribution and collaboration
While time for movement, rest, and informal interaction is built into the day, our primary focus remains on meaningful work and skill development.
3 — PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Length: 5-month semester
Schedule: 2 days per week
Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
We meet the learning requirements of PE and extracurriculars of science, wood workshop,
welding, and automotive.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Schedule: 2 days per week
Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
We meet the learning requirements of PE and extracurriculars of science, wood workshop,
welding, and automotive.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
We meet the learning requirements of PE and extracurriculars of science, wood workshop,
welding, and automotive.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
We meet the learning requirements of PE and extracurriculars of science, wood workshop, welding, and automotive.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Students work individually and in small groups to develop skills in:
● Agriculture and food systems
● Trades and mechanical skills
● Baking and food preparation
● Crafts and creative arts
● Life skills and basic economics
Valley Farm and Trade operates as a homeschool enrichment and cooperative learning program . Families remain responsible for their child’s primary education and homeschooling requirements.
4 — LEARNING AREAS & ACTIVITIES
AGRICULTURE & OUTDOORS
● Gardening and seasonal farm work
● Tree climbing (safety-based)
● Honey harvesting and processing
TRADES & MECHANICAL SKILLS
● Welding and fabrication
● Carpentry
● Automotive basics● Leatherworking
● Butchering
● 3D printing and modeling
CREATIVE ARTS & HANDWORK
● Sculpture
● Functional crafts
● Soap making
● Seasonal and practical projects
LIFE SKILLS
● Animal husbandry
● Planning and goal-setting for time management
● Care of shared spaces
● Budgting
5 — BAKING, CRAFTS & STUDENT ENTERPRISE
BAKING & FOOD ARTS
Baking is a core component of our program and occurs regularly throughout the semester.
Students practice:
● Bread baking and staple food preparation
● Measuring, timing, and sequencing
● Kitchen safety and tool use
● Cleanup and shared responsibility
STUDENT ENTERPRISE & PRACTICAL ECONOMICS
Under instructor guidance, students may participate in the creation and occasional sale of:
● Welded metal crafts
● Baked goods
● Handmade soaps
● Honey and farm-based products
These experiences teach:
● Material cost tracking
● Pricing and budgeting basics
● Work quality and consistency
● Ethical production and cooperation.
Proceeds from student-made goods are placed into a shared class fund. Students participate in deciding how the fund is used to support larger future projects of their choosing, such as advanced tools, expanded materials, special workshops, or collaborative builds. The emphasis remains on learning, stewardship, budgeting, and collective decision-making rather than profit.
6 — SAFETY & SUPERVISION
Safety is a top priority at Valley Farm and Trade.
We ensure student safety through:
● Age-appropriate tools and gradual skill progression
● Clear safety briefings before activities
● Close supervision during tool use
● Protective equipment provided as needed
● Clear behavioral expectations
● Regular review of emergency procedures
Activities involving tools or equipment are carefully guided, structured, and monitored.
7 — TUITION & BUDGET TRANSPARENCY
BASE PROGRAM TUITION (2 DAYS PER WEEK)
Monthly Tuition: $147 per month
Semester Length: 5 months
Total Semester Tuition: $735 per student
Tuition includes:
● Instruction and supervision
● All standard materials and consumables
● Use of tools and equipment
● Baking ingredients and kitchen supplies
● Craft, soap making, and trade materials
● Participation in student enterprises and the class fund
There are no additional materials or supply fees for the base program.
OPTIONAL THIRD DAY
A third program day may be offered based on family interest and enrollment. This day would focus on extended projects, advanced trades, and larger collaborative builds. Families will be surveyed prior to implementation, and any tuition adjustments will be communicated clearly in advance.
BUDGET APPROACH
Valley Farm and Trade operates with cooperative-style budgeting. Shared tools, careful planning, and student enterprise activities help support materials and future projects. Tuition is not dependent on sales and remains consistent regardless of class fund activity.
8 — DAILY & WEEKLY RHYTHM
SAMPLE DAY
9:00 – Arrival, community check-in, safety reminders
9:15 – Morning work block (baking, farm work, or trades)
11:15 – Outdoor movement / informal break
12:00 – Lunch
12:30 – Afternoon projects (crafts, trades, or guided student work)
2:30 – Cleanup, reflection, and planning
3:00 – Dismissal
9 — ENROLLMENT POLICIES
TUITION
● Tuition is due monthly or per semester
● Tuition is non-refundable once the semester begins
● Tuition includes all standard materials
ATTENDANCE
● Students should arrive prepared for hands-on activities
● Missed classes cannot be refunded due to fixed program costs
● Opportunities to revisit skills may be offered when possible
BEHAVIOR
● Respect for tools, instructors, and peers is required
● Unsafe behavior may result in removal from activities
CLOTHING
● Closed-toe shoes required
● Clothing suitable for outdoor and shop environments
10 — CONTACT INFORMATION
Valley Farm and Trade
Hands-On Homeschool Enrichment in Agriculture, Trades, and Arts
Email: valleyfarmandtrade@gmail.com
Phone: (650) 771-8385
Location: 8665 Siegel St, Valley Springs, CA 95252
We look forward to welcoming your family into our learning community.