Welcome To The Village Learning Collective
Village Explorations is a one-day-per-week drop-off program for homeschool students ages 5–12, meeting on Tuesdays from 9:00 AM–1:30 PM.
At Village Explorations students step into a rich and thoughtfully structured day of learning guided by passionate teachers who value both curiosity and character. Each week, children explore history, fine art, science, handicrafts, and collaborative critical thinking games intentionally chosen to cultivate creativity, clear thinking, strong habits, and meaningful connection.
Rooted in a Charlotte Mason–inspired, classical approach, our studies are woven together through a shared journey in history using Story of the World. This cohesive framework helps students make natural connections across subjects while developing a deeper understanding of the people, places, events, and ideas that have shaped the world.
Throughout the year, each child will build a beautiful portfolio filled with narrations, maps, artwork, science work, and personal creations, serving as both a record of learning and a treasured keepsake.
Whether you use Village Explorations to enrich your homeschool studies or as a stand-alone day of engaging, meaningful learning, it offers a place where friendships grow, character is cultivated, and education comes to life.
Village Explorations is located in Oroville at a local church. All teachers are paid teachers, fully trained mandated reporters. We plan to accept local satellite charter funds.
For more information text the word EXPLORE to 530-431-4010.
In addition to Village Explorations we also have Village Commons, our drop off day program for 8-10 grade. Click here for more information.
More services to be offered soon!
Our Teachers
Erin Buss
Science Teacher
Erin Buss brings decades of experience working with children and a deep love of learning to the Village Explorations science classroom. She is married to John, has two children, and recently became a grandmother.
Erin earned associate degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education in 1997. She spent approximately 10 years teaching preschool and another 18 years working as a Special Education aide in Chico-area elementary schools. She also homeschooled for 14 years, where she developed a strong appreciation for classical education and hands-on learning.
Erin loves helping children slow down, pay attention, ask thoughtful questions, and wonder about how the world works. Her goal is to create a science environment where students feel comfortable observing, experimenting, making connections, and discovering new things.
She especially enjoys helping children see that science is not simply a collection of facts to memorize—it is an invitation to notice, investigate, and stay curious.
Krystle Bronson
Critical Thinking Games Teacher
Krystle Bronson is a passionate educator, fitness advocate, homeschooling parent, and community builder who loves creating opportunities for children to grow in confidence and connection.
With nearly a decade of homeschooling experience, Krystle has developed a strong appreciation for alternative education, hands-on learning, and the importance of creating environments where children can learn through movement, teamwork, problem-solving, and play.
Krystle has also pursued training in youth fitness, earning a youth fitness certification in early 2025. Her interests in education, physical activity, and community naturally come together in the Village Explorations games classroom.
Through cooperative games and group challenges, Krystle helps students practice communication, teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, creative thinking, and perseverance.
She is especially passionate about helping children discover their strengths, build healthy confidence, and understand that being part of a strong community means learning how to encourage, include, and work well with others.
Madison Clark
Classical Art Teacher
Madison Clark is an experienced educator and lifelong creative who loves helping children discover confidence through art. Born and raised in Oroville, Madison enjoys reading, singing, sewing, painting, and finding new ways to create.
She graduated from Chico State in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and minors in Special Education and Child Development. Her experience working with children includes teaching second grade, student teaching, substitute teaching, and serving as both a general-education and special-education aide.
Madison brings both educational training and genuine creativity into the Village Explorations art classroom. She enjoys introducing students to artistic techniques, famous artists, and new ways of seeing the world around them.
Her goal is to help students build artistic skills while also developing imagination, confidence, persistence, and the freedom to create without feeling that their work has to look exactly like everyone else's.
Natalie McElroy
Handicrafts Teacher
Natalie McElroy is a wife, mom, homeschooling parent, and creative soul who has spent much of her life making things with her hands.
A licensed hairstylist for more than 20 years, Natalie has also explored a wide range of creative pursuits, including photography, home renovation, construction projects, design, and other hands-on work. She loves the process of taking an idea and turning it into something tangible.
As a homeschooling mom, Natalie understands how valuable hands-on learning can be for children. In the Village Explorations handicrafts classroom, she encourages students to slow down, learn practical skills, try new techniques, solve problems, and take pride in creating something themselves.
Natalie wants every child to feel seen and capable while discovering the satisfaction that comes from working carefully, using their creativity, and developing new skills.
She can't wait to see what they create!
Required Materials for Village Explorations
Story of the World, Vol. 3 & 4
These volumes will guide our journey from the early modern period through more modern American history, allowing students to see how the world continues to grow, shift, and connect. As we move through this timeline, students will encounter explorers, revolutions, cultural movements, and the people and ideas that have shaped the world we live in today. This shared historical thread brings unity and depth to everything we do at The Village.
Portfolio (Village Exploration Keepsake)
At the heart of The Village is what we call the Village Keepsake. As students engage with history, they will create narrations, maps, and fine art that reflect what they’re learning. These pieces are thoughtfully collected into a one-of-a-kind, beautifully bound portfolio that becomes both a record of growth and a meaningful keepsake.
Please note: Portfolios must be 9×12 in size and include at least 40 pockets.
Each student will keep a dedicated science notebook to document observations, experiments, and discoveries throughout the year. A notebook with both blank and lined pages works best, allowing space for detailed drawings alongside written reflections.
Recommended Resources
Story of the World, Vol. 3 & 4 Audiobooks
The audiobooks are a wonderful way to bring history to life beyond our time together at The Village. They’re easy to listen to at home or on the go, and many families enjoy weaving them into daily rhythms—whether during quiet time or in the car. It’s a simple way to reinforce what we’re learning and keep the stories fresh and engaging.
More recommended reading books coming soon!
Additional Helpful Resources
Story of the World, Vol. 3 & 4 Activity Guides
These guides are a wonderful companion to our studies, offering maps, coloring pages, and hands-on activities that help bring historical events to life. Families can choose to purchase them as a physical book or in PDF format, depending on what works best for their home.
Story of the World, Vol. 3 & 4 Student Pages
This PDF resource includes the same activity pages found in the Activity Guides—filled with maps and coloring pages for students to complete. It’s a great option for families with multiple children who may need additional copies for easy printing.
Reading Schedule
Join the Waitlist
Be among the first families to hear about enrollment opportunities for The Village Learning Collective. Get your name in early and secure priority access to this exciting new learning community where children can grow, connect, and thrive. Spots will be limited—join the waitlist today!
