HMLC Tuition and Programs
-
Our early childhood and mixed-age kindergarten program is intentionally designed for children to thrive academically, socially and emotionally by learning alongside peers of different ages.
Children in our mixed-age K program consistently learn up, meaning they are exposed to more advanced language, problem-solving and academic thinking than they would encounter in age-isolated classrooms. This results in strong outcomes, confident learners and children who are genuinely excited about school.
HMLC’s mixed-age kindergarten program has three options:
Two days/week = $700/month
Three days/week = $900/month
Full time five days/week = $1,300/month
*There is a 10% sibling discount available to families with more than one child attending HMLC.
-
The HMLC mixed-age early elementary program (ages 6–8) is intentionally designed to strengthen core academic skills while nurturing the social and emotional growth that helps children become capable, confident learners. By learning in a multi-age community, students develop literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills alongside collaboration, creativity and independence.
In this environment, children both “learn up” and “lead down,” receiving challenges at their own pace while also mentoring younger peers. Daily experiences emphasize teamwork, cooperation and empathy, resulting in strong academic progress, resilient problem-solvers and secure relationships that help each child thrive.
HMLC’s early elementary program has two options:
Two days/week = $700/month
Full time five days/week = $1,300/month
**Early elementary students in the 2 days/week program must be enrolled with the state of MN as homeschoolers or in an online school program with asynchronous learning time.
*There is a 10% sibling discount available to families with more than one child attending HMLC.
-
HMLC’s mixed-age upper elementary program (ages 8–10) is intentionally designed to deepen academic mastery while cultivating the independence, organization and critical thinking skills students need for increasing responsibility.
In a multi-age learning community, children strengthen literacy, mathematics, research and communication skills alongside self-awareness, self-management and social awareness.
Students learn within a continuous cycle that promotes individualized progress and sustained relationships. Mixed-age groupings reduce unhealthy competition and stress while expanding social opportunities. Older students naturally develop mentorship and leadership, while younger peers gain confidence through modeling and support. Collaboration, perspective, including historical perspective and empathy are woven into daily work, resulting in capable, reflective learners who communicate effectively and contribute positively to their community.
HMLC’s upper elementary program has two options:
Two days/week = $700/month
Full time five days/week = $1,300/month
**Upper elementary students in the 2 days/week program must be enrolled with the state of MN as homeschoolers or in an online school program with asynchronous learning time.
*There is a 10% sibling discount available to families with more than one child attending HMLC.
-
Our mixed-age early middle program (ages 10–12) is intentionally designed to meet students at a pivotal stage of development, when academic expectations rise and social worlds become more complex. Learners deepen skills in reading, writing, mathematics, research and inquiry while strengthening critical thinking, independence and confidence.
Guided experiences support students in understanding and managing intense emotions, navigating evolving peer dynamics and developing a stronger, more secure sense of identity.
Within this multi-age community, students both mentor and are mentored, creating a cooperative, non-competitive environment that emphasizes belonging and mutual respect. Teachers provide tailored academic and social-emotional support, allowing each learner to progress at an appropriate pace while taking on increasing responsibility. Collaboration and open dialogue are central, reducing social pressure and fostering resilient, self-aware adolescents who are prepared for the challenges of the middle grades and beyond.
HMLC’s early middle school program has two options:
Two days/week = $700/month
Full time five days/week = $1,300/month
**Early middle school students in the 2 days/week program must be enrolled with the state of MN as homeschoolers or in an online school program with asynchronous learning time.
*There is a 10% sibling discount available to families with more than one child attending HMLC.
Why Mixed-Age Learning Works
Research and lived experience show that mixed-age learning:
Encourages children to learn up, not wait
Supports deeper understanding through teaching and mentorship
Builds confidence and intrinsic motivation, not performance anxiety
Creates a strong, cooperative learning culture
Children rise to the expectations of their environment. And HMLC’s is intentionally designed for growth.
HMLC’s early childhood is not a childcare program and we do not have the facilities or personnel to perform diaper changes, so we ask that all learners be using the toilet reasonably reliably. Disposable training pants (such as Pull-Ups or similar) are fine.
HMLC is NOT a full nature school. As much learning as possible takes place outdoors. As part of our model of community care, for any indoor time, masks are required. All learners must reliably be able to wear an
N-95 or KN-95 mask.
Due to our small class sizes and customized programs, space is extremely limited. Register today!
Interested in supporting the Hearts and Minds Learning Community?
Donate to our Community Supported Tuition Fund!
Donors can choose to:
Sponsor a student
Support a founding class
Support the Tuition Stabilization Fund for all enrolled learners
Where Your Tuition Goes
As an educator-owned cooperative community school, HMLC believes in full transparency about how tuition supports our school community.
The majority of tuition dollars go directly toward educator salaries and benefits, ensuring we can attract and retain skilled, dedicated teachers who provide individualized attention and high-quality instruction in intentionally small classes.
Additional tuition funds support the essential costs of operating a safe, well-equipped learning environment, including:
Facility expenses – rent, utilities, maintenance, security and upkeep
Insurance – liability, property and required coverage
Classroom materials and supplies – books, hands-on learning tools, art materials, science equipment and curriculum resources
Administrative systems and support – enrollment and communication software, record-keeping systems and required reporting
Professional services – accounting, payroll processing and legal compliance
Operational expenses – taxes, licensing fees, background checks and credit card processing fees
HMLC’s chief administrator works on a volunteer basis which saves a significant amount on administrative fees.
As a small, community-centered school, tuition is used to sustain daily operations, maintain safe and enriching spaces and ensure strong teacher-to-student ratios. Every dollar directly supports the educational experience and well-being of the children in our care.