General Questions
What is Wildflower?
Wildflower is an alternative learning community for Muslim homeschooling families with children between the ages of 3 and 17. We provide a structured cooperative learning environment where children engage in hands-on, project-based, and exploratory learning guided by mentors and supported by families.
Wildflower is not a traditional school. We are an alternative to school, operating as a part-time learning partner for homeschooling families and families looking to transition out of traditional systems.
Who is Wildflower for?
Wildflower is a good fit for families who:
are looking for an alternative solution to their child's education
would like to use legal homeschooling as a path out of traditional school systems
are seeking a supportive Muslim community who values alternative approaches to education
don't want to homeschool on their own
value hands-on, experiential, and active learning
want their children to grow in confidence, independence, creativity, and curiosity
are seeking a part-time learning partner for their family's homeschool journey
Families looking for a full-time school or a traditional, academic-only, "school-at-home" replacement, may find Wildflower is not the right fit.
Is Wildflower faith-based?
Yes, the Wildflower community is rooted in Islamic values and these values are woven throughout our learning day and educational content.
Where is Wildflower located?
We are located in Paterson, NJ.
About Our Programs
What ages do you serve?
We currently support children aged 3–17.
Will my child be learning with other children in their grade level?
Wildflower programs are designed around developmental stages rather than strict grade levels. Each mixed age group has its own rhythm, expectations, and learning focus. This means your child may be in a class with children at the same grade level, a level above, or a level below.
You can explore more specifics about our age groups on our Co-Op page.
What does a typical week at Wildflower look like?
Wildflower classes are held 3 days a week for all age groups on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Co-op days include a balance of:
hands-on projects and activities
guided group work, exploration and discussions
independent work and passionate pursuits
time for social connection, lunch, and play
group salah in the masjid for ages 6.5+.
The exact structure and specific activities vary by age group and are designed to support children’s developmental needs. You can explore more about our age groups on our Co-Op page.
Will my child be learning from a specific curriculum?
Yes, each of our mixed age groups follows specific curriculums for the different areas of learning that they cover. Wildflower uses a blend of learning approaches and resources to meet the developmental and academic needs of each group while keeping learning hands-on, engaging, and active.
Do you follow NJ State Standards?
No, as a non-school comprised of homeschooling families, Wildflower is not required to follow NJ State Standards.
Mentors and Learning Support
Who leads the classes during co-op days?
Co-op classes are led by team mentors who guide the children's learning, model skills, and help facilitate discussions, activities, and projects. Mentors offer knowledge, structure and support without directing every step of the learning process.
While mentors do offer direct instruction as needed, our focus is on guidance, relationship, and growth. A big part of our mentor's job is to help children learn to help themselves and take charge of their learning as they grow.
Parents also serve as classroom assistants and short-course providers on a rotating basis, sharing their passions and interests with the children, while offering loving presence, and extra support throughout the year.
Does your program Provide Grades, STANDARDIZED TESTS, OR OTHER Standards-Based Assessments?
Yes and No.
As Homeschoolers in New Jersey, we are not required to use letter grades, standardized tests or other formal standards-based assessments for our programming. Our assessments are informal and prioritize individual growth, engagement, and progress. They include a combination of techniques such as observation, work samples, unit tests, one-on-one conferencing, self-evaluations, progress journaling, and individualized learning plans.
As a general rule, we do not assign letter grades to any child learning below our high school level.
Letter grades are provided at the high school level for children enrolled in our Pathfinders group to use on their high school transcripts. Homeschooling families have the choice to use the grades provided by Wildflower or assign their own.
Enrolled families interested in having thier child sit for a standardized test (SAT, ACT, MAP, etc), can schedule a private conference with our admin and we can connect you to resources for that.
Parent Involvement and Expectations
Is this a drop-off program?
Yes, Wildflower is a drop-off program for parents not currently serving on rotation or teaching courses. Parents who are schedued to be on site must be physically present for their entire shift.
What is expected of parents?
Wildflower is a cooperative learning community. Parents play an active role in our program and are expected to:
support their child’s learning and progress at home
participate in community activities and events
serve parent rotations throughout the year
maintain open communication with their child's mentors
While children are supported by our team of mentors and parent rotators throughout the day, families remain responsible for their child’s overall education, readiness, progress, and engagement.
WILL I NEED TO SUPPLEMENT?
Yes, but what, when, and how much is up to you.
Depending on the age and stage of your child, your reasons for homeschooling, and the learning goals your family has, some supplementation of our program may be needed but it is not a requirement. Each family who joins us makes their own decision about supplementing based on their individual family’s needs.
Logistics & Enrollment
How do we apply?
Families begin by submitting an application through our Apply page. After reviewing your application, we’ll reach out with next steps, which include a family interview and optional tour to ensure Wildflower is a good fit for your family's needs. Start your application now.
WHEN I APPLY, DOES IT MEAN WE ARE ENROLLED?
No. Applications to our cooperative do not guarantee enrollment or save space for your child. It simply expresses your serious interest in joining our program and is the first step in our 3-part application process.
DO YOU OFFER TUITION ASSISTANCE?
Yes, limited Tuition Assistance is available for those who qualify. You can read more about it on our Tuition Page.
Note: Sibling discounts do not apply for those receiving tuition assistance.
Can we join mid-year?
Enrollment availability varies by program and open space. We encourage interested families to apply and reach out with questions. Start your family application now.