Shared Learning Time

Hybrid Homeschool

School from home, but not alone.

Homeschooling Can Feel Hard

Shared Learning Time Brings Ease and Supports to St. Louis Families With...

Academics

We choose the curriculum, write the simple lesson plans, and offer our guidance and wisdom from years of experience in homeschooling our own children and our classroom students. We meet your child where they are in their learning with flexibility and grace.

Socialization

Students are encouraged and inspired by watching their peers learn, grow, and overcome challenges. Observing other children persevere and succeed in class and in our multi-grade recess builds character and competency.

Community

Community for kids and parents alike! At SLT we have monthly events for the whole family. Friendships are built in school, on field trips, at the park, and in our private Facebook group.

Independence

At SLT we believe the family is the most valuable asset to a child's learning. YOU remain your child's primary teacher and influence in their education. We empower you to influence and inspire your child with the values that matter most to your family.

ABOUT SLT

We save you time, money, and frustration...

We're moms and parents just like you. We found ourselves stuck between wanting a more robust academic focus for our older children while caring for younger siblings and nursing young babies at the same time.

- We knew we didn't want to use a traditional schooling approach.

-We knew we didn't want another parent-led co-op (which we were also doing!)

-But we also knew we needed help, mainly with just a few key subjects to help ease the workload at home.

In 2016 our group started as a handful of families with about 8-12 children, in one class, and has since grown to serve over 25 families, and 60 children, with help from over 11 instructors.

The community has grown not only in numbers, but also as an organization. As of 2021, Shared Learning Time, Inc. is now a registered non-profit in the state of Missouri. More exciting developments become possible with each passing year.

We're delighted you're here!

No More Overwhelm... We Can Help =)

3-Day Drop-Off Program

Drop off your Preschool - 8th Grade student Mondays and Wednesdays for core learning and Fridays for enrichment classes from 9AM-2PM. Reclaim time for your career, housework, and self-care.

Core Learning

Two days a week we focus on math, history, science, literature, and grammar. We choose the curriculum, provide the lesson plans, and suggest activities. You lead the lesson 2 days a week adjusting things to fit your family's style, time, and preferences.

Enrichment

Fridays we have our popular Enrichment Program. Students will spend the day engaged in play based and hands-on activities. They will work on art projects, dance, and move their bodies. They may spend time exploring nature outside, dressing up for dramatic play, or getting their hands messy in paint projects. This day is all about fun and movement!

Curriculum

Instead of spending hours researching curriculum, feeling intimidated by the extensive lesson plans, and wasting money on changing curriculum, allow us to pick it for you and break it down into bite sized pieces.

Community

Need help understanding a lesson? Having a particularly difficult day? Message the instructor or post in our online community for help! Never feel alone again in your homeschool journey. Find academic and emotional support in our Facebook group, Google Classroom, and monthly social events.

Fun

Park playdates, ice skating, art expos, potlucks, and more - as a Shared Learning Time family you and your child will have plenty of opportunities to have fun together and make new friends.

OUR TEAM

Meet Our Awesome Instructors

Deborah Hargrove

Director, 1st & 2nd Grade Instructor

Deborah received her Masters in Social Work from the University of MO-St.Louis in 2009. She has had her clinical license in social work since 2012. She spent most of her years before kids as a therapist in various St. Louis agencies. In this role, she facilitated many child, adolescent, and family groups while also meeting with clients individually to work on social emotional skills. She joined SLT in 2019 as the kindergarten teacher. In 2021 & 2022 she taught the K-2nd grade class. Deborah loves to incorporate videos, art, and hands on activities while teaching. She also helps with administration of SLT. She has 3 girls, Lucy (7), Daisy (5), and Audrey (3). She has been homeschooling them since her oldest began preschool and all girls will attend SLT.

Mandy Thompson

Administrative Assistant

Mandy and her children have been with SLT nearly from its beginning, 2017. While juggling homeschooling her own 2 kids, Mandy has demonstrated sincere dedication to all things SLT–this, as well as her extraordinary administrative skills, make her the perfect person to enhance SLT’s impact in our community of homeschoolers here in St. Louis, Missouri.

Margaux Carter

Pre-K Instructor

Margaux is beginning her fourth year working with Shared Learning Time's preschool age group. While living in California, she completed her AA in Spanish and also received a Communication Certificate in 2006. She has 11 years of experience homeschooling her two children. For six years, she taught classes at another co-op, including preschool and history for elementary age students.
Margaux
has a variety of volunteer experiences as a youth leader, teacher, Cub Scout leader, and in leadership with the children's ministry of her church. She has experience with food allergies, epi-pen protocol, and is CPR certified. In her free time she enjoys gardening, reading, and music.

Linda Whittinghill

Kindergarten Instructor

Linda received an AA degree in Early Childhood while also working at the college's child development center in the early 90's. Since that time, Linda has continued working with children in a variety of settings, including a children's home as a live-in childcare worker for a year, and SSD as a Paraprofessional for ten years. In 2008, Linda became a licensed foster and adopt parent and soon adopted two boys. They began their homeschooling journey in 2014. Linda and her husband Mark have 5 children all together. Linda became the Kindergarten Instructor at SLT in 2021. She works hard to provide fun, engaging, and age-appropriate learning opportunities within an easy-to-follow daily schedule. Linda loves incorporating living books, hands-on activities, guest speakers, and art projects.

Jennifer Illardi

3rd & 4th Grade Instructor

My name is Jennifer Ilardi and I’m excited to be a Shared Learning Time Instructor. I have over 11 years of experience sharing information through stories and developing hands-on, interactive and educational programming for young people. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Maryville University and my master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University. I also have a postgraduate certificate in Youth Experience from the University of Maryland. One of my favorite things to do is own and operate a non-profit organization called Simple Positive Play where I help bring playful experiences to the community. I also love playing games and creating things with my family, reading fantasy books and biographies, and being outdoors, especially if there is a body of water nearby. I’m looking forward to helping students learn.

Alex McMullen

5th & 6th Grade Instructor

I am a former sped teacher who taught in Mesa Arizona and Lagrange Kentucky. I have a BA form ASU in Early education/math, and a BA in business from Mizzou. I taught in private and public school settings for 5 years and have homeschooled for 7 years. I have tutored and taught in the homeschool community during that time.

I love teaching! I love the challenge that each personality and learning type brings!

Ellen Wandzel

6th & 7th Grade Instructor

My name is Ellen Wandzel, and I am in my fourth year of teaching with SLT, where I serve as the 7/8 ELA, History, and 5/6 ELA instructor. Prior to joining SLT, I taught high school Spanish in the public school system. My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Spanish, a Master’s degree in in Secondary Education and a Teaching Certification in Spanish, (K-12)
Beyond my formal education, my study abroad and volunteer experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer provide me with a unique perspective that I bring to the classroom.

I am also the proud mother of three children, all of whom attend SLT. I love teaching because despite occasional “turkey” moments, the students are lovable and bring such joy and energy to the classroom. They remind me daily of the importance of patience, laughter and understanding.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time outdoors, bike riding, baking, reading, and playing both softball and pickleball.

Becca Bryan

Art Instructor

Hi! I'm a homeschool mom of 4. Since 2012 I have been working on the board and as an instructor of 2 different homeschool organizations and am a founding member of SLT. I have taught classes on everything from geography to journalism in a homeschool group setting. In 2006 I began creating art professionally and I'm still at it! In my free time I'm making something. It might be cookies it might be crochet! I'm excited to work with your kids and help them expand their classroom and creative experience.

Testimonials

"I love going to SLT! Literature is my favorite. I like writing and drawing what I remember from the reading. Oh, and I like playing outside at recess and trading Pokemon cards!

Zeal Arthur - 3 Day Student

I love this program. This is a great community for homeschool children to be able to socialize, while also following the same curriculum as a group of friends. The curriculum has relieved a lot of stress off me as a working mom. My son has really blossomed since being part of SLT. I highly recommend!