Christy Brunken is the Family Learning Lab and Co-School founder and CEO in Citrus Heights. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Family Learning Lab and Co-School, a new concept for supporting homeschooling families in Citrus Heights, has opened for fall enrollment.

“It’s a special place for homeschooling families to co-school and collaborate,” said Family Learning Lab and Co-School founder and CEO Christy Brunken.

The Family Learning Lab and Co-School at 6916 Sunrise Blvd., Suite I, facing Woodmore Oaks Drive across from the Copperwood Square Shopping Center, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Its location was previously home to Easter's Catholic Books and Gifts.

“Our mission is to support families in alternative education,” Brunken said. “The center is a place where parents can homeschool ‘their way’ and work together with shared resources in a very real, genuine supportive community.”

Christy Brunken shows the sensory play area where students enjoy hands-on manipulative fun and which can also be used to teach standards-aligned concepts. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

Brunken, a mother of four, whose oldest is 16, homeschools her children. The historic public-school education model wasn’t a good fit for her family and, Brunken said, it isn’t for many families she has encountered who are looking for an alternative choice of education for their families.

Brunken said that 250-plus other area homeschool families who recognized that a centrally located co-schooling center in Citrus Heights was lacking that offered parents and families a place to together work, have fun and learn collaboratively.

“We understand the many challenges of homeschooling in our area and aim to help new and seasoned homeschoolers find all the support and resources they need to feel successful in their homeschool journeys,” she said.

Family Learning Lab and Co-School is a nonprofit organization supporting families and alternatively educating “one-of-a-kind kids,” Brunken said. “We operate faith-neutral and politically-neutral events and activities.”

Her realized vision is a colorful “drop-in” family-focused center, divided into multiple areas for family schooling, sensory play, flex lab and guided art activities. 

The Family Learning Lab and Co-School, located at 6916 Sunrise Boulevard, Suite I, facing Woodmore Oaks Drive, across from the Copperwood Square Shopping Center, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The location was previously the home of Easter's Catholic Books and Gifts. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

The generous learning space is filled with splashes of bright colors. Tables are set up for individual or group work with a study buddy.

“We believe that all families benefit from opportunities to learn and grow together. We support family connection through providing shared experiences of art, play and tactile manipulative learning,” Brunken said.

Daily sessions typically start with a goal-setting morning meeting at 9:15 a.m. A variety of daily sensory play options start at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch.

“Power Hours” welcome families and students into a dedicated time to complete core work. 

A Flex Lab is reserved for students who need absolute quiet to focus on their studies, while families are welcome to teach lessons throughout the rest of the center.

Inside a sensory play area, students enjoy hands-on manipulative learning.

Math, English, social studies and science bookshelves in the learning lab are stocked full of curriculum materials, including readers, manipulatives and games.

On Fridays, sensory play is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Science Friday is open for students to conduct science experiments and an engaging U.S. geography review session.

A young student at the Family Learning Lab and Co-School engages in an art project at the learning lab. Photo provided by Family Learning Lab and Co-School

“We aim to be a central resource for all homeschoolers in the greater Sacramento area,” Brunken said. “We believe that all kids benefit from discovery-based learning. Kids who are given the freedom to follow their interests enjoy limitless possibilities in their education.”

Families are asked to abide by a code of conduct at the center.

“We also have strong values of kindness and support and aim to make all people feel welcome and meet as many needs of our homeschool community as possible,” Brunken said.

Walk-ins and drop-ins are welcome anytime. Some special workshops have capacity limitations and space must be reserved online in advance.

Daily passes and three-month memberships are available for purchase.

Brunken is also planning a wide range of social activities designed to foster community building fun during the school year, including Family Paint nights, Mom’s Paint Nights, Family Nights and Teen Nights.

For more information and/or a complete list of fall programs on the Family Learning Lab and Co-School, visit familylearninglab.org, call 916-910-9693 or email [email protected].