Frequently Asked Questions

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LILLY Learning Center is one of the key initiatives under the LILLY Education Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safe spaces, access, advocacy, inclusion, and a supportive network for nontraditional learners and educators. The Learning Center serves as the home base for several programs, including Hybrid Homeschool and the Pre-K Early Learning Co-Op. These programs are designed to support a diverse community of nontraditional learners—both neurotypical and neurodiverse—as well as their families and the educators and specialists that serve them. 

No, Hybrid Homeschool is not a private school. It is a home education program that operates in partnership with parents. Families are responsible for their child’s personalized education program (PEP) and maintaining attendance records, in line with home education requirements. While we provide a structured and supportive environment for learning, the program is designed to complement home education rather than replace it. 

The Hybrid Homeschool program is staffed by qualified educators, not volunteers. Each grade band—primary (K-2nd), elementary (3rd-5th), and middle (6th-8th)—has a dedicated lead teacher who holds a teaching certificate, educator credential, and/or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant subject. Our teachers are experienced in guiding students through their academic journey, ensuring a well-rounded and supportive educational experience. 

As a nonprofit organization, LILLY Education Foundation relies on the support of the community, including board members and volunteers, to carry out its mission. Our staff includes both part-time educators and dedicated volunteers who assist with various aspects of our programs. All staff members, including volunteers, undergo background checks and are trained to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students. The Hybrid Homeschool program is staffed by qualified educators, not volunteers. Each grade band—primary (K-2nd), elementary (3rd-5th), and middle (6th-8th)—has a dedicated lead teacher who holds a teaching certificate, educator credential, and/or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant subject. Our teachers are experienced in guiding students through their academic journey, ensuring a well-rounded and supportive educational experience. 

Parents are a central component of our programs, especially in volunteer roles within specific initiatives, such as the Pre-K Early Learning Co-Op. However, in the Hybrid Homeschool program, parents are not responsible for teaching; instead, they collaborate with our educators to support their child’s learning at home. We believe that strong partnerships between families and educators are key to fostering a successful learning environment. 

The Hybrid Homeschool program uses a carefully selected, interdisciplinary curriculum that aligns with our educational philosophy. For systematic phonics and the Science of Reading, we use the Logic of English Foundations and Essentials programs; for literature and reading comprehension, we use a cross-disciplines approach through the Five in a Row series—including Volumes 2, 5, and 7. For math, we use Brick Math and the Critical Thinking Co. for deepened learning through hands-on and multisensory logical-mathematical activities to promote deep conceptual understanding of math concepts. For social-emotional learning opportunities, such as during morning meeting, we use the Responsive Classroom program curriculum. For community service projects, we use Jane Gooddall’s Roots and Shoots curriculum, and for the Kids in Biz Program, we use the Tuttle Twins series as a guide for introducing concepts in economics, financial education, and entrepreneurship. Our curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning. We regularly review and update our curriculum to ensure it meets the diverse needs of our students and prepares them for future academic and personal success. 

Yes, the Hybrid Homeschool program and other initiatives at LILLY Learning Center follow a structured schedule that balances academic work, hands-on activities, and social interaction. While we encourage student agency and self-directed learning, this is done within a framework that ensures all educational objectives are met. Students are actively engaged in hands-on learning and project-based learning for the majority—up to 90%—of their time onsite. We favor a multisensory approach to instruction and do not rely on worksheets as a means to teach or learn because we understand the neurological basis for active learning and hands-on practice with the academic skills and concepts that our programs stand upon. Our goal is to create a well-rounded educational experience that respects each child’s pace and interests. 

Board members at LILLY Education Foundation play a crucial role in guiding the organization’s mission, strategic initiatives, and community partnerships. They are deeply committed to supporting the nonprofit’s goals and often take on various responsibilities, including leading tours and supporting events like our grand opening. However, it’s important to note that board members are not involved in the day-to-day operations or direct teaching roles. 

The safety and security of our students, teachers, and staff is our top priority. All teachers employed part-time for our Hybrid Homeschool Program, as well as all staff and volunteers who serve to support our operations onsite at the learning center, undergo a rigorous Level II background screening—which moves beyond the norm of a state-wide screen, to ensure every person onsite has a clean record on the FBI’s national database. In addition to this requirement, our learning center has undergone a rigorous fire inspection, developed both a fire and emergency plan, remains a closed campus, requires approved entry into the facilities beyond the closed-off lobby, and is guarded by security cameras 24/7. We also have clear policies in place to manage on-site visitors, including parents who choose to stay in designated areas. Our outdoor spaces are supervised, and we have procedures in place to ensure a safe learning environment for all. 

To receive reimbursement through the Step Up for Students program, please log into your parent portal (provided at time of program registration) where you can download an invoice receipt from the “Account and Invoices” section. This document can then be submitted for reimbursement. We provide guidance on this process and are here to assist if you have any questions. 

Program deposits at LILLY Learning Center are nonrefundable. This policy is in place because we purchase materials and resources for our students based on confirmed registrations. We understand that financial considerations are important, and we are committed to transparency in our fee structure and policies. We encourage families to reach out if they have any questions or need further clarification regarding fees. 

Our program staff is onsite from Monday to Friday, between 9am-3pm, though onsite visits are by appointment only, and to ensure the safety of our learners and teaching team, walk-ins are not accepted. Should you have a question or concern, please reach out via email, and we will respond during our regular operating hours: programs@lillyedu.org.