The BEND Method

“Is it the curriculum? The environment? Or my kid? How has God wired them?

The BEND Method is the original approach to education being innovated here at WaterStone Academy.

The BEND Method engages a variety of assessments and technology to:

  • Match students with their best educational approach

  • Map their unique qualities

  • Make lesson plans

  • Measure their progress over time

The shared vocabulary creates a common language between the classroom and the homeroom, creating opportunity for the greatest tools in education — consistency and communication.

Lower School Programs

Kindergarten - 2rd Grade

Roots — Core Track

For families seeking consistency and clarity, our Core Track provides:

  • Self-contained classrooms with dedicated teachers

  • Thoughtfully designed lesson plans and assignments

  • Engaging, project-based learning and science experiments

  • Resources to support parents as active educational partners

  • Roots Academic Track

    At WaterStone Academy, our Core Academic Track is crafted for families seeking a thoughtfully designed educational journey that seamlessly bridges the classroom and home. This track provides prepared lesson plans and structured weekly assignments, creating a cohesive partnership between parents and educators.

    Each grade enjoys a self-contained classroom, where young learners are immersed in a vibrant environment filled with hands-on science experiments, collaborative and independent activities, and meaningful academic accountability.

    Students in the Core Track will attend class on campus Mondays 8:30am - 2:30pm. During this time, they will experience instruction, movement and hands-on exploration.

    During the other days of the week, students continue their work at home in partnership with their parents. We believe this hybrid model allows families to experience the customization of home education with an educational support system.

    Schedule & Features

    • One day on campus (Monday)

    • Self-contained classroom

    • Art class rotation

      • 1st-3rd grade students rotate into a dedicated art class.

      • Kindergarteners engage in art activities directly within their classroom.

  • The Core Academic Track empowers families by delivering a well-rounded curriculum enriched with purposeful assignments, creative projects, and learning resources.

    Core Subjects & Learning Highlights

    • Reading Comprehension

    • Writing Composition

    • Grammar

    • Vocabulary

    • Science

    • Social Studies

    • Bible

    • Art

    Curriculum
    Through our curated book list, students dive into unit studies for each book, blending literature with exciting hands-on learning. Families receive:

    • Educator-Prepared Home Lesson Plans (HLPs): A guide for enriching and extending learning at home.

    • Online Classroom (FACTS): An online portal offering valuable resources and tools to support studies.

    • Classroom Educator Support: Accessible guidance to ensure parents and students thrive.

    Parent Partnership

    At home, parents customize their educational experience by rounding out core with Bible, math, reading instruction, spelling and handwriting.

    Underscored by the BEND Method, our educators observe, identify, apply and evaluate the qualities that make students unique and map their lesson plans and in-class strategies accordingly — strategies parents are empowered to continue at home.

    Customized Curriculum
    The WaterStone Academy difference is we offer curriculum consultations, matching our recommended curriculums to your family’s bend. As a parent partner, these subjects are taught at home in order to meet the student at the level of personalization you need. Our recommended resources will set you up for success as you engage in these skills throughout the school year.

    At WaterStone Academy, we’re not just educating; we’re nurturing minds, hearts, and lifelong learners. The Core Academic Track offers a Christ-centered, academically robust foundation for your child’s success.

  • Tuition for K-2nd grade students in the core track for the 2025-2026 school year is $2,095.

    This year, we are willing to partner with families with the StepUp FES-UA and PEP scholarships.

    For more information, please see our 2025-2026 Fee Summary and Financial Agreement.

Branches — Enrichment Track

Ideal for those who value flexibility, our Enrichment Track features:

  • Creative and interactive classrooms

  • Lessons in arts, sciences, and character-building

  • Opportunities for collaboration and peer connection

  • Branches Track

    At WaterStone Academy, our Enrichment Track is designed for families who value the flexibility to tailor their own weekly lesson plans and select curricula that best suit their child’s unique learning style. This track provides students with enriching classroom experiences that connect Biblical principles with hands-on learning, creativity, and peer engagement.

    Students in the Enrichment Track benefit from a nurturing blend of homeroom classes and specialized classes that explore the arts and sciences, fostering both academic and character growth. Our goal is to partner with families by providing dynamic classroom experiences that supplement and enhance parent-developed home studies.

    Students in the Enrichment Track will attend class on campus Wednesdays 8:30am - 2:30pm. During this time, they will experience instruction, movement and hands-on exploration.

    During the other days of the week, students continue their work at home in partnership with their parents. We believe this hybrid model allows families to experience the customization of home education with an educational support system.

    Schedule & Features

    • One day on campus

    • Homeroom class

    • Morning chapel

    • Music class rotation

  • Enriching Learning Experiences
    Class period rotations vary by grade and include:

    • Bible & Character Building

    • Social Studies

    • Supplemental Thematic Math

    • Hands-on Science

    • Music & Movement

    Family Support Resources
    To further empower parents, the Enrichment Track includes:

    • Family Connection Page: A resource hub with optional launch activities for at-home learning extensions.

    • Online Classroom (FACTS): An online portal with optional activity resources to complement classroom experiences.

    The Enrichment Track at WaterStone Academy is a partnership rooted in faith and creativity, offering a collaborative and joyful educational journey that honors each family's approach to learning.

    Underscored by the BEND Method, our educators observe, identify, apply and evaluate the qualities that make students unique and map their lesson plans and in-class strategies accordingly.

    Together, we provide children with a foundation of Biblical truth, academic exploration, and meaningful relationships.

  • Tuition for K-2nd grade students for the 2025-2026 school year is $1,390.

    This year, we are willing to partner with families with the StepUp FES-UA and PEP scholarships.

    For more information, please see our 2025-2026 Fee Summary and Financial Agreement.

Roots + Branches — Comprehensive Track

This comprehensive option blends both tracks, offering:

  • Two enriching days on campus

  • Unified themes across subjects to deepen understanding

  • A holistic approach to student growth and development

  • Roots and Branches Track

    The Comprehensive Two-Day Track at WaterStone Academy combines the best features of our Core and Enrichment tracks, offering a holistic educational experience that seamlessly integrates structured learning with creative exploration. Designed for families seeking a well-rounded, Christ-centered approach, this track blends self-contained classrooms, subject-specific rotations, and enriching activities that foster academic growth, character development, and community.

    Schedule & Features

    • Two days on campus (Mondays and Wednesdays)

    • Self-contained classrooms for focused core subject instruction

    • Subject-specific rotations to explore the arts, sciences, and other enriching disciplines

    • Morning Chapel to begin each day with worship and character-building lessons

  • Core Subjects & Rotational Learning
    Students will enjoy a rich blend of foundational academics and engaging, hands-on learning, including:

    • Reading Comprehension

    • Writing Composition

    • Grammar & Vocabulary

    • Bible & Character Building

    • Social Studies

    • Supplemental Math Skills

    • Hands-on Science

    • Art

    • Music & Movement

    Enhanced Family Support
    To ensure seamless learning beyond the classroom, families have access to:

    • Teacher-Prepared Home Lesson Plans (HLPs): Extend classroom lessons into at-home studies.

    • Family Connection Page: Offers optional launch activities to deepen learning.

    • Online Classroom (FACTS): A digital platform with resources and activities to support your child’s journey.

    The WaterStone Difference
    This two-day track is more than just academics—it’s a partnership between home and school that nurtures your child’s mind, heart, and spirit. Underscored by the BEND Method, our educators observe, identify, apply and evaluate the qualities that make students unique and map their lesson plans and in-class strategies accordingly.

    By blending structure with creativity and Biblical truth, we provide an environment where students can thrive academically and grow in their faith while building strong, meaningful relationships with their peers.

    At WaterStone Academy, we prepare students to be thoughtful, lifelong learners with a foundation rooted in the power of the gospel. Join us for a comprehensive, engaging, and faith-filled educational experience!

  • Tuition for K-2nd grade students for the 2025-2026 school year is $3,485.

    This year, we are willing to partner with families with the StepUp FES-UA and PEP scholarships.

    For more information, please see our 2025-2026 Fee Summary and Financial Agreement.

Lower School Programs

3rd Grade - 5th Grade

Roots — Core Track

Cultivating Lifelong Learners with a Christ-Centered Foundation

At WaterStone Academy, the 4th-6th Grade Core Academic Track is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for Upper School and beyond. Rooted in a collaborative partnership with parents, this track provides a comprehensive foundation of course lessons, assignments, and activities. Each student thrives in a self-contained classroom led by a dedicated teacher, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.

  • Roots Academic Track

    Classroom Environment
    Students attend classes one day a week in a self-contained classroom with a dedicated teacher. Each grade level experiences an engaging learning environment that fosters curiosity, collaboration, and academic accountability.

    Students in the Core Track will attend class on campus Mondays 8:30am - 2:30pm. During this time, they will experience instruction, movement and hands-on exploration.

    During the other days of the week, students continue their work at home in partnership with their parents. We believe this hybrid model allows families to experience the customization of home education with an educational support system.

  • Curriculum Overview

    Literature
    Students engage with carefully selected grade-level literature to strengthen fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Classical rhetoric discussions and creative projects enrich their understanding and connect literature to history and writing themes.

    Writing Instruction
    Using the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), students develop foundational skills in structure and style. Teachers guide them through creative brainstorming sessions, peer editing, and polished presentations of their written work.

    • 4th Grade: Builds from the basics of IEW, progressing through outlines, short stories, and reports.

    • 5th Grade: Expands on style and structure with detailed narratives and reports.

    • 6th Grade: Advances to crafting essays, comprehensive reports, and creative stories.

    Note: Students new to IEW entering in 5th or 6th grade attend a mandatory workshop to ensure success in this program.

    Science
    Students explore God’s intricate creation through hands-on experiments and activities based on Apologia’s science curriculum.

    • 4th Grade: Earth Science that focuses on God’s unique placement and incredible construction of our planet.

    • 5th Grade: Anatomy and physiology of the human body God designed.

    • 6th Grade: Chemistry and physics.

    History
    History lessons with Abeka’s history curriculum immerse students in God’s sovereignty throughout history, emphasizing significant events, cultures, and geography. Interactive projects and resources deepen their understanding of the past.

    • 4th Grade: History of the United States

    • 5th Grade: Old World History and Geography

    • 6th Grade: New World History and Geography

    Parent Partnership
    Parents play a critical role in the Core Track by selecting and teaching math, Bible, grammar, and spelling curricula at home, while partnering with classroom teachers in the subjects listed above.

    The WaterStone Academy difference is we offer curriculum consultations, matching our recommended curriculums to your family’s bend. As a parent partner, these subjects are taught at home in order to meet the student at the level of personalization you need. Our recommended resources will set you up for success as you engage in these skills throughout the school year.

    Parent Support & Online Learning Resources
    To bridge classroom learning with at-home instruction, our FACTS Classroom provides essential tools and resources, including:

    • Home Lesson Plans (HLPs)

    • Worksheets, reports, and grade tracking

    • Interactive teaching videos, digital field trips, and supplemental materials

    This technology enhances communication between educators, parents, and students, creating a dynamic and cohesive learning experience.

    Underscored by the BEND Method, our educators observe, identify, apply and evaluate the qualities that make students unique and map their lesson plans and in-class strategies accordingly — strategies parents are empowered to continue at home.

    At WaterStone Academy, the 4th-6th Grade Core Academic Track is more than academics—it’s a transformative partnership that fosters responsibility, independence, and a lifelong love of learning rooted in God’s truth.

  • Tuition for 3rd-5th grade students in the core track is $2,095.

    This year, we are willing to partner with families with the StepUp FES-UA and PEP scholarships.

    For more information, please see our 2025-2026 Fee Summary and Financial Agreement.

Branches — Enrichment Track

A Hands-On Journey of Discovery and Faith

The 4th-6th Grade Enrichment Track at WaterStone Academy offers a vibrant, hands-on learning experience designed to deepen students’ understanding of God’s creation and His story. Whether used as a stand-alone option or as an additional on-campus day to complement the Roots Core Track, this program enriches students’ educational journey through engaging classroom lessons and interactive rotations.

  • Classroom Environment

    The Enrichment Track complements our Core Academic Track by allowing students to explore subjects creatively. Each classroom incorporates self-contained instruction, promoting discovery and collaboration.

    Students in the Enrichment Track attend class on campus every Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. This day includes instruction, movement, and hands-on activities. On other days, students work at home with their parents, benefiting from a hybrid model that blends home education with supportive resources.

    Schedule & Features

    • One day on campus

    • Homeroom class

    • Morning chapel

    • Music class rotation

  • Subjects Explored in the Enrichment Track

    • Bible & Chapel
      Each day begins with Chapel, where students worship together and dive deeper into God’s Word. Weekly themes connect Biblical stories to real-world applications, nurturing Christ-like character traits such as perseverance, honesty, and faithfulness. In class, teachers extend these lessons through prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth opportunities.

    • Social Studies
      Students explore the broader narrative of history, gaining a deeper understanding of God’s hand in shaping our world. By examining pivotal events and personal stories, students connect with the historical, geographic, political, and sociological themes that define our collective past.

    • Hands-On Math
      Math skills are reinforced through engaging group activities, manipulatives, and games woven into other subjects. Students are challenged at their skill level, making math an enjoyable and dynamic part of their day.

    • Science Lab
      Through hands-on experiments and dissections, students investigate God’s intricate design in environmental, life, and physical sciences. Each activity fosters curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of creation.

    • Art
      Students rotate into visual art classes that spark creativity and explore artistic expression. Projects focus on developing foundational skills, studying art masterpieces, and fostering imagination.

    Parent Partnership
    At WaterStone Academy, we view parents as essential partners in their child’s education. To support families, the Enrichment Track includes:

    • Launch Activities: Weekly resources designed to expand classroom learning into meaningful at-home experiences.

    • Family Connection Page: A comprehensive resource with Chapel focus points, Bible verses, character challenges, family activities, and conversation starters to engage the whole family in the learning process.

    • FACTS Classroom: Access to supplemental materials, lesson extensions, and family engagement tools.

    The WaterStone Difference
    The 4th-6th Grade Enrichment Track provides students with a dynamic and Christ-centered learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and spiritual growth. By connecting hands-on activities with Biblical truth, we aim to inspire lifelong learners who see God’s hand in every aspect of life.

    Underscored by the BEND Method, our educators observe, identify, apply and evaluate the qualities that make students unique and map their lesson plans and in-class strategies accordingly.

    Join us for an enriching educational experience that nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.

  • Tuition for 3rd-5th grade students is $1,390.

    This year, we are willing to partner with families with the StepUp FES-UA and PEP scholarships.

    For more information, please see our 2025-2026 Fee Summary and Financial Agreement.

Roots + Branches — Comprehensive Track

4th-6th Grade Comprehensive Two-Day Track

At WaterStone Academy, we’ve developed the Comprehensive Two-Day Track to seamlessly integrate the best features of our Core Academic and Enrichment Tracks. This unique offering is designed to provide 4th-6th grade students with a Christ-centered, academically rich, and creatively engaging education that prepares them for lifelong learning and Upper School success.

  • Classroom Environment
    Students attend two days on campus each week, participating in a blend of self-contained classrooms and subject-focused rotations. These diverse experiences foster academic growth, spiritual development, and meaningful peer connections while providing a cohesive bridge between classroom learning and home instruction.

    Schedule & Features

    • Two days on campus (Mondays and Wednesdays)

    • Self-contained classrooms for focused core subject instruction

    • Morning Chapel to begin each day with worship and character-building lessons

  • Core Academic Learning

    • Literature: Students engage with age-appropriate literature selections that connect to writing and history themes. Active discussions, creative projects, and group activities enrich their understanding of the texts.

    • Writing Instruction: Using the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) framework, students develop foundational writing skills through creative and structured exercises.

      • 4th Grade: Basics of keyword outlines and short reports

      • 5th Grade: Adding style elements to narratives and detailed reports

      • 6th Grade: Crafting essays, advanced narratives, and reports

    • Science: Students explore God’s creation through hands-on activities using Apologia’s science curriculum.

      • 4th Grade: Earth Science that focuses on God’s unique placement and incredible construction of our planet.

      • 5th Grade: Anatomy and physiology of the human body God designed.

      • 6th Grade: Chemistry and physics.

    History
    History lessons with Abeka’s history curriculum immerse students in God’s sovereignty throughout history, emphasizing significant events, cultures, and geography. Interactive projects and resources deepen their understanding of the past.

    • 4th Grade: History of the United States

    • 5th Grade: Old World History and Geography

    • 6th Grade: New World History and Geography

    Enrichment Rotations
    Students rotate through engaging, hands-on subjects designed to complement core learning:

    • Bible & Character Building: Daily Chapel sessions with scripture, prayer, and lessons in Christlike character traits such as patience and perseverance.

    • Social Studies: Integrating stories of people and events to explore God’s hand in history.

    • Hands-On Math: Group games and activities that reinforce math skills at each student’s level.

    • Science Lab: Experiments and dissection to bring environmental, life, and physical science concepts to life.

    • Art: Exploring artistic expression and art history through creative projects.

    Parent Partnership
    WaterStone Academy values the critical role parents play in their child’s education. To support families, we provide:

    • Home Lesson Plans (HLPs): Clear, structured plans for home-based studies.

    • FACTS Classroom: A robust platform for lesson plans, resources, and online grade tracking.

    • Family Connection Page: Weekly activities and conversation starters to expand on classroom lessons at home.

    • Launch Activities: Optional extensions for families to deepen their engagement with the week’s topics.

    The WaterStone Difference
    This two-day track is more than just academics—it’s a partnership between home and school that nurtures your child’s mind, heart, and spirit. By blending structure with creativity and Biblical truth, we provide an environment where students can thrive academically and grow in their faith while building strong, meaningful relationships with their peers.

    Underscored by the BEND Method, our educators observe, identify, apply and evaluate the qualities that make students unique and map their lesson plans and in-class strategies accordingly.

    At WaterStone Academy, we prepare students to be thoughtful, lifelong learners with a foundation rooted in the power of the gospel. Join us for a comprehensive, engaging, and faith-filled educational experience!

  • Tuition for 3rd-5th grade students is $3,485.

    This year, we are willing to partner with families with the StepUp FES-UA and PEP scholarships.

    For more information, please see our 2025-2026 Fee Summary and Financial Agreement.

Upper School Program (6th-12th Grade)

  • Students will come to campus Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30am - 3pm. During this time, they will experience a facilitated environment involving collaborative study in select electives, independent study, breaks, PE, Writing and Math tutoring.

    During the other days of the week, students continue their work at home in partnership with their parents. We believe this hybrid model allows families to experience the customization of home education with an educational support system.

  • For our Home Education Enrichment Pilot we partner with families navigating the new endeavors of upper school.

    We want families to experience the best of hybrid education, especially as their 7th-12th grade students step closer to higher education and career. This stage of education not only engages new academic skill, but also new social and emotional skills as well. This is what led us to design this program around these skills.

    In this Track, older students enjoy a facilitated space for core subjects in the morning that teaches independent study techniques, collaborative practice, and tutoring in Math and Writing for a couple hours a week.

    In the afternoons, we offer electives to enrich the upper school experience and prepare students for graduation and life beyond.

    This school year, we will be offering:

    • Government

    • Personal Finance

    • Health and Nutrition

    • Big Small Talk -- a course entirely on the art of communication, teaching language arts and communication basics such as networking, writing a pitch, writing a professional email, and even creating a meeting agenda.

    • The second original Bend Method course is Trait-Focused Learning. Here, we have students take our Bend Method assessments. From there, we teach them and create application-oriented activities based off their personalized results. These activities are designed to show them how their Bend helps them work within groups and individually.

  • Tuition for 6th-12th grade students for the 2025-2026 school year is $2,900 ($96 per school week).

    This year, we are willing to partner with families with the StepUp FES-UA and PEP scholarships.

    For more information, please see our 2025-2026 Fee Summary and Financial Agreement.

Small Classroom Sizes

While on campus, students engage in hands-on instruction within small classroom sizes (1:15 teacher-student ratio). They receive instruction from facilitators and tutors committed to your child’s academic excellence, as well as the discovery and growth of every child’s bend.

Customized Curriculum

As part of our mission to provide customized biblical education, students in the homeschool enrichment pilot bring in curriculum of their choice to each class day. During facilitated independent learning times, students learn time management, prioritization and other key motivation skills to engage in work — at their level, at their pace, in their own style.

Collaboration Times

In addition to the independent learning times, students engage in collaboration courses designed to empower students to take on interdisciplinary projects that cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. 

For the 2025-2026 school year, students can participate in select electives in the afternoon, preparing them for graduation and beyond.

Courses such as:

  • Personal Finance

  • Government

  • Health and Nutrition

  • Big Small Talk (Original Course)

  • Trait-Focused Learning (Original Course)

Empower students to excel as Christ-centered learners, scholars and co-creators in the world around them.

In Big Small Talk, students learn and practice developmentally engaging communication skills and a real-world project. In Trait-Focused Time, students learn about their unique bend and how that impacts the ways they communicate, feel motivated, stressed, and work together best during group settings. Finally, students engage in a Chapel Planning Time, where students learn, practice, plan and execute the skills necessary to host each class day’s Chapel in the mornings. Together, these collaboration times give students confidence as they develop real-life skills and build relationships.

Tutoring

We want your child to experience success right where they are in their academic journey. For our pilot year, we are offering Math Tutoring and Writing Tutoring during our daily schedule. Tutors will offer insights and inspiration tailored to the student’s unique strengths and stresses.

CURRICULUM CONSULTATION

CURRICULUM CONSULTATION

Find the Curriculum for Your Family

“What curriculum do I choose? How do I know what’s best for my child?”

At WaterStone Academy, we believe every parent needs a partner. We offer Curriculum Consultations for K-12th families. We would love to partner with you in helping you find a curriculum that fits your Bend, helping both you and your child enjoy the journey of home education.


Attend a Coffee & Q&A.

Ask questions. Find inspiration.

If you envision your family experiencing the depth of Christ-centered education within a trait-focused, parent-partnered, application-oriented approach, but you’re not sure where to start, we encourage you to join WSA founder, Raeli Miller, for coffee and Q&A.

ADMISSIONS

Apply Today

Admissions for the 2025-2026 school year is now open.

While it does not guarantee acceptance into the program, an Admissions Application does indicate the family's interest, commitment and willingness to partner with us in this innovative education experience.

An Admissions Application gives us a glimpse into your heart and family, as well as helps us know how to prepare our faculty accordingly for the upcoming school year.