CULLMAN, Ala. – A local alternative education program aims to combine academics with life skills and give families more time together.
Lauren Rainwater, who founded and owns Captivate Learning Center, said the program offers a different approach than traditional schools by using a part-time schedule and hands-on learning. Captivate runs three days a week, meeting Monday to Wednesday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Students spend part of each day on academics like reading and math, and the rest on life skills such as financial literacy, gardening, professionalism and interview practice. Rainwater said this setup helps students get focused instruction and gives families more time together at home.
“All of our lessons are engaging and hands-on. We want students to enjoy learning while also gaining the skills they’ll need to be successful as adults,” she said.
The program keeps class sizes small, with one teacher for every eight students, so kids get more individual and small-group attention. Captivate also focuses on teacher-led lessons, choosing direct interaction and hands-on activities instead of using tablets or computers.
Besides its homeschool program for students ages 4 through fifth grade, the center also offers after-school tutoring. This includes help with reading and math, coaching for executive functioning and dyslexia therapy. Daily dyslexia support will grow with a new specialized instructor joining the team.
Captivate is getting ready for its Summer Experience, an eight-week program in June and July. It will offer academic review to help prevent learning loss, plus enrichment activities and themed events. Enrollment is open now, but there are only a few spots left. Families who want to join need to do an interview and a trial day, so both sides can see if the program is a good match.
Rainwater said the program has already helped many students, especially those coming from traditional schools. “And for families, having more time together has been just as important.”
Captivate Learning Center is located 207 Third St. SW, Cullman. To get more information, call 256-798-2218 or visit Facebook/Captivate Learning Center.
