Episode 150: Preserving Childhood, Protecting Faith: A New Path in Education

Introduction

Hi everyone, and welcome back to the Homestead Education Podcast.
Today I have two guests on — Danita and Mimi from The Little Red Schoolhouse — and I have been so excited to hear and share their mission with everybody.

Thank you guys for coming on today.
Thank you for having us.
Yes, thanks for having us.

What Is The Little Red Schoolhouse?

So, do you want to tell everyone a little bit about each of yourselves and what The Little Red Schoolhouse is?

Absolutely. The Little Red Schoolhouse is a one-room schoolhouse in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. It’s a faith-based school where we teach for about three and a half hours every morning inside, and then in the afternoons we’re outside — learning homesteading skills, entrepreneurship, and caring for our gardens.

We seed-save, plant, harvest, and preserve — all the things our grandparents once did that are dying off in our culture. We wanted to bring that back to life and give children an opportunity to learn lifelong skills that follow them into adulthood.

I think that’s amazing. I’m so excited to see programs like this becoming a thing again.

Teaching Homesteading and Lifelong Skills

Absolutely. Our children learn how to can, freeze, and freeze-dry food — all the things grandma used to do. I remember as a child watching my grandma can and sew, thinking, “One day I’m going to be just like that.”

Life gets busy, you have kids, and it’s hard to be a true homesteader. Opening this school gave us the opportunity to be diligent about what we eat, what we grow, and to ensure we use heirloom seeds that we save and replant the following year.

It’s an opportunity to share that lifestyle with this generation.

Making Homesteading Everyday Life

What I really see with that is how it teaches kids to make this part of their everyday life — not a hobby or a side project, but just “how we do life.”

You’re right, and we teach them that. We talk about grocery store food, what aisles to shop, and why the outside of the store — produce and dairy — is where we should be. We even talk about pasteurized versus raw milk.

I have raw milk on the farm — we make our own butter, yogurt, and cheese.

Amazing.

These are lifelong skills. They learn to eat organically and produce their own food. It’s vital for them to be self-sufficient, because so much of our food system isn’t good for us.

Understanding Real Food and Farming

I recently did a local food class with kids in Michigan. I brought in packaged tomatoes from Walmart — they looked identical. Then I brought heirloom tomatoes from a farm stand — they looked completely different.

Even the parents came up afterward asking where I found them! It shows how disconnected we’ve become from real food.

Yes, and the parents at our school are so excited to have their children reconnect to this knowledge.

Beekeeping and Environmental Awareness

We started this year with four beehives — now we have fourteen! We teach kids how to care for bees, capture swarms, identify herbs and natural medicines, and recognize how herbicides and pesticides affect pollinators and humans.

They’re learning to live off the land, be resourceful, and think critically about how food systems impact the environment.

Farming, Soil Health, and Sustainability

Many of our students want to be farmers, farriers, or go into trades like plumbing or vet tech.

They learn rotational crop farming and soil preservation. We have a worm farm at the school — they learn how worms improve soil, make worm tea, and identify healthy soil versus poor soil.

We even have two test plots so they can see the difference.

Teaching Others Through Field Trips

We host field trips from public and private schools, and our students teach visiting kids what they’ve learned.

It’s powerful to see children confidently sharing knowledge about farming, food, and stewardship. They aren’t memorizing lists for a report — they’re living it. That confidence transfers into public speaking and leadership skills naturally.

Raising and Processing Chickens

We recently processed 99 chickens that the children raised from hatchlings. They learned not to name them, to understand where food comes from, and to see the difference between how we raise animals versus commercial operations.

There’s nothing more important than a child understanding how to source organic, ethical food.

Giving Kids Ownership and Leadership

In my book on raising self-sufficient kids, I talk about giving kids ownership in chores. On our farm, they don’t have “chores” — they have management roles.

I love that. That’s a mindset shift.

Exactly. My little kids are chicken managers. My 16-year-old runs our raw dairy.

Even if you don’t live on a farm — you can apply the same concept. Maybe your child manages the trash — tracking pickup days, supplies, and cleaning. It builds responsibility.

Our kids lead farm tours for visitors, teaching adults and children alike. It’s incredible to watch their confidence bloom.

No Screens, All Nature

That’s so beautiful. Kids glued to screens miss out on real experiences.

Yes, and we don’t use technology at The Little Red Schoolhouse. Some criticize that, but we believe kids need to play, climb, explore, and ground themselves outdoors.

Typing and coding can come later — right now, they need connection to God’s creation and real skills.

Building Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship

As a former public school teacher of 23 years, I saw huge gaps — especially in financial literacy.

This next school year, we’re emphasizing entrepreneurship. Kids will learn what an EIN number is, how to set up a business account, calculate profit margins, and manage expenses.

One group wants to start a sourdough bakery. They’ve priced loaves, but now we’re teaching them to calculate costs — rent, electricity, supplies — and how to save and invest profits.

These are real-world lessons schools no longer teach.

Real-World Education vs. Institutional Education

Exactly. In public school, kids “learn” entrepreneurship on paper. You’re letting them live it.

When I worked in commercial ag and began homeschooling, I realized how little hands-on agriculture education existed. That’s why I created full-year Homestead Science — the first homeschool ag science curriculum that integrates real life.

When I showed it at an ag expo, even FFA teachers said, “This is what kids actually want to learn.”

That’s the same response we get. Our waitlist is over 100 families long! Parents understand they get one chance to raise children who are capable, moral, and prepared — and the system isn’t providing that.

Expanding the Network Nationwide

That’s why we created a network — to help others start similar schools nationwide.

We’re not franchising, but we’re teaching the model. Right now, there are 15 schools preparing to open, and five more in progress. Some will open this August.

All it takes is a willing teacher, a community, and a building — even a church, barn, or roller rink! Kids don’t care about fancy; they care about purpose.

Building, Working, and Learning by Doing

Many of our students, especially those with ADHD or learning differences, thrive when building or creating.

If we get new beehives, I’ll tell the kids, “We need these built in two days.” They unbox and assemble everything — because ownership creates pride. They care for the hives, the bees, and the land.

These are the skills that build self-sufficient, capable adults.

Rediscovering Purpose and Work Ethic

We’ve lost the culture of work ethic. In schools, “a 50 is the new zero.” Kids pass without accountability.

At our school, we teach that your word is gold. Integrity matters. Work ethic matters. Accountability matters.

These kids shake hands, look adults in the eye, and take pride in doing things right.

Reclaiming Education and Family Culture

Public schools have failed to prepare kids for life. We’re changing that — one school at a time.

Parents nationwide are contacting us, desperate for alternatives. That’s why we’re expanding the Little Red Schoolhouse Network — to equip others to replicate this model in their own communities.

The Network and How It Works

Mimi: The need is huge. Parents are saying, “Enough is enough.”

We started with online seminars — How to Begin a School in Your Community. Danita built a full Administrative Manual that walks you through every step: legal setup, curriculum, schedule, and structure.

We empower moms, teachers, and churches with everything they need to start — whether it’s 10 students or 50.

We’ve seen viral growth online — millions of views, thousands of inquiries — and now new schools are opening monthly across the U.S.

Upcoming Seminars and Community Support

We hold monthly seminars and live training in Virginia.
Our next event is June 27–28, where attendees can tour our school, meet other founders, and learn the full model.

We also have a private Facebook community, Zoom trainings, phonics and business resources, and mentorship support.

Starting Schools in Churches and Local Communities

Danita: Not everyone has a farm — and that’s okay!

We actually began our school in a church across the street while our building was being finished. Churches have unused classrooms and open grounds — perfect for small schools.

We’re seeing others do the same — Kentucky, Georgia, and beyond. Some are even starting with mini farms, chickens, gardens, and bees, supported by our community of mentors.

It’s a village helping a village.

Restoring Community and Traditional Skills

This is about community — growing food, cooking from scratch, and reconnecting with real life.

You don’t have to own a homestead to do this. You can start small: cooking classes, sewing, gardening, survival skills, or animal care.

Even microgreens or chicken tractor projects can teach business, math, and responsibility.

Raising a Generation with Real Skills

We recently invited families to join us on chicken processing day — teaching them how to humanely process food.

One of our students, a nine-year-old farm manager, led the entire process confidently. That’s the kind of capability we want to raise — children who understand the value of food, life, and stewardship.

These lessons will outlast us and carry into the next generation.

A Revolution in Education

This isn’t just a movement — it’s a revolution.

Parents are reclaiming education, faith, and family life. We’re building something sustainable that values work, wisdom, and responsibility.

How to Get Involved

You can learn more or start your own school at
👉 The Red Schoolhouse Network

Follow on Instagram: @the_one_room_red_schoolhouse (underscores between each word).

They share inspiration, training, and real stories of schools starting nationwide.

Keep Growing

As always, I ask each guest — what does “Keep Growing” mean to you?

“Keep growing means to 10X your life. Keep learning, expanding, and doing more of what matters.”

That’s so good.

Thank you both so much for joining me today. Everyone, make sure to go follow The Little Red Schoolhouse — even if you’re not ready to start a school, their model is absolutely beautiful.