Founded nearly two decades ago, HCHC Leadership Academy has served as a trusted cornerstone for homeschooling families across Maryland. Since becoming a non-profit organization in 2013, we’ve continued to grow from our roots in Columbia to our expanding Frederick campus.
Families rely on our long-standing presence, consistent leadership, and deep commitment to educational excellence. Our longevity speaks not only to our stability but also to the community of families who have helped us flourish through every season.
Although HCHC was founded as an education ministry, our doors are open to families of all faiths, or lack thereof. We proudly stand among the few homeschool co-ops in Maryland that offer a secular curriculum.
HCHC allows families to educate their children in a way that aligns with their individual values and beliefs. Our diverse community celebrates respect, inclusion, and understanding as we work together toward one shared goal: nurturing confident, compassionate learners.
HCHC Leadership Academy is proud to be a state-certified Umbrella Group, providing homeschool families with official oversight, guidance, and support in meeting Maryland state requirements.
Our Umbrella services include convenient, online portfolio reviews in January and June, assistance with gathering compliance documentation, and mentorship from experienced homeschool educators. Families under our umbrella enjoy peace of mind knowing their home education journey is legally compliant.
Unlike traditional parent-led co-ops, HCHC functions more like a tutorial academy, with a dedicated team of hired teachers and certified tutors from both public and private education sectors.
Our instructors bring years of experience, specialized training, and a passion for working with homeschool students. From early learners to high school scholars, each child benefits from a structured, engaging, and personalized approach that blends academic rigor with creativity.
Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Each month, we host community events, field trips, and enrichment outings designed to connect students with real-world experiences.
From farm visits and museum tours to cultural festivals and science centers, our events foster curiosity, social growth, and lifelong memories. These experiences build the sense of belonging that makes HCHC more than a co-op—it’s a community.
At HCHC, our educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that children learn best when curiosity leads the way. We draw inspiration from both the Charlotte Mason and Montessori approaches, combining a love of literature, nature, and hands-on discovery with respect for each child’s pace and individuality.
Our vision is to cultivate lifelong learners who think critically, have a lifelong love for learning, and engage the world with purpose. By nurturing both mind and heart, we aim to develop leaders who serve their communities with wisdom, creativity, and compassion.
We make joining our community easy and affordable. Families can start by participating in our free recess and socialization hour, designed to help children make friends and build confidence in a safe, welcoming space. Others choose to drop in with pay-as-you-go punch cards, allowing for academic enrichment without a long-term commitment.
For families seeking the full experience, our year-long membership offers the best value and the richest access to our classes, events, and community programs. No matter how you join, you’ll find support, flexibility, and belonging at every step.
Diversity isn’t just something we value. It’s something we live every day. Our student body reflects a beautiful blend of abilities and personalities, with roughly 20% of our learners identified as high-functioning or neurodiverse (including autism spectrum, learning differences, and social anxiety).
This creates a culture of empathy, patience, and understanding that benefits everyone. Our community includes approximately 60% boys and 40% girls, and every child signs our Anti-Bullying and Kindness Pledge, reinforcing the respect and safety that make HCHC a true haven for growth and belonging.
Learning never stands still – literally. Our students experience the joy of education across multiple environments throughout the school year. Each Fall Term (12 weeks), we meet in our Columbia campus for an open-classroom model that encourages free movement and exploration in nature.
During our Winter Term (8 weeks), we transition into traditional classrooms, offering structure and focus while keeping lessons engaging and interactive. By Spring Term (8 weeks), we take learning beyond four walls and onto an organic farm, where students connect with nature, sustainability, and hands-on science in a way textbooks can’t replicate.
