Meet LunaQuest Academy

Jul 13
3 min read

Interview, insights, and what homeschool families can expect this fall.

Getting to Know LunaQuest Academy, a Frederick County homeschool co-op offering project-based learning for homeschool families.

Behind every homeschool program is someone who saw a need and decided to build something different.

For LunaQuest Academy, that story started in a fourth-grade classroom.

Before founding LunaQuest Academy, Amanda spent several years teaching in the public school system. One student, in particular, changed the way she thought about education.

The student was reading at a first-grade level, but Amanda was instructed that his classwork could only be modified to a third-grade level because state testing couldn't be adjusted any further. She knew he needed to be taught where he actually was in order to make meaningful progress, but the system wouldn't allow it.

"I knew that if I could meet him where he was, we could build from there," Amanda shared.

That experience stayed with her and eventually became one of the foundations of LunaQuest Academy.

Today, LunaQuest is built on the belief that children learn best when they are met where they are, encouraged to explore their interests, and given the time and support to grow at their own pace.

More Than a Traditional Homeschool Co-op

LunaQuest Academy serves homeschool families from toddlerhood through sixth grade, offering both a parent-and-child program for younger learners and a teacher-led co-op for elementary students.

Unlike many homeschool co-ops where parents rotate teaching responsibilities, LunaQuest is professionally designed and led by an experienced educator. Parents can enjoy being part of the community without the responsibility of planning weekly lessons or teaching classes.

One of the most unique aspects of the program is that students have a voice in their learning. Rather than following a rigid schedule of predetermined topics, children help choose what they'll study throughout the year, giving them ownership over their educational experience.

Learning Through "Quests"

Each class begins with a Skill Workshop, where students build background knowledge through hands-on activities, experiments, games, demonstrations, guest speakers, and discussions.

After lunch, students move into Project Studio, where they select a Quest connected to the class theme.

Quest options include:

Create Art, design, crafts, and models
Discover Experiments, investigations, observations, and research
Build Engineering challenges, inventions, structures, and prototypes
Share Presentations, performances, writing, and storytelling

Some Quests are completed in a single afternoon, while others become larger projects spanning several weeks. Students may even design their own Quest, provided it connects to the current topic.

A Typical Day at LunaQuest

Each Wednesday follows a familiar rhythm that balances structure with child-led exploration.

Welcome & Yoga Students begin the day together with a calming yoga routine.
Skill Workshop Teacher-led instruction introduces new concepts through interactive learning experiences.
Lunch & Free Play Students enjoy lunch together before spending time playing, building friendships, and recharging.
Project Studio Children work independently or collaboratively on their chosen Quests.
Community Care Students help clean and organize the classroom before the day ends.
Reflection Each class concludes with students sharing what they learned, what challenged them, and what they're looking forward to next week.

Beyond the Classroom

Throughout the year, students also participate in special showcase events, including a Science Fair, Wax Museum, Art Gallery, and Kids Entrepreneur Fair. These experiences give children authentic opportunities to present their work while building confidence and communication skills.

Programs Offered

Little Lunas (Ages 1–5)

A parent-and-child class designed around monthly themes explored through stories, music, movement, sensory play, art, building activities, and imaginative play.

Wednesdays | 9:30–10:30 a.m.

LunaQuest Academy Co-op (Kindergarten–6th Grade)

A teacher-guided, child-led homeschool co-op where students learn through collaboration, creativity, and project-based exploration.

Wednesdays | 11:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Location: New Hope United Methodist Church3001 Hooper Road, New Windsor, Maryland

Fall Enrollment

LunaQuest Academy currently has openings in both Little Lunas and the LunaQuest Academy Co-op for the upcoming school year.

Families begin by completing a registration form and paying the registration fee. After registering, they'll receive student information forms, waivers, and a volunteer calendar before classes begin.

Unlike many programs, families are not locked into a year-long commitment and may pause or cancel their membership with advance notice if their needs change.

Looking Ahead

While LunaQuest Academy is just beginning this chapter, Amanda has a much bigger vision for the future. Her dream is to create spaces where children and families truly feel they belong, whether through educational programs, curriculum, or future community-centered projects.

For now, that vision begins with a homeschool community built around curiosity, meaningful relationships, and a love of learning.