Homeschooling has experienced significant growth across the country, with millions of K–12 students now learning in home-based educational settings. Nationally, approximately 5–6% of school-aged children are homeschooled, and that trend is reflected throughout Maryland. As homeschooling has grown, so has the understanding of what it looks like. Today's homeschool experience is far different from the stereotypes of decades past. Parents now have access to a wide range of resources and opportunities that allow them to customize an educational experience based on their child's unique needs, interests and goals.
Frederick County is home to a vibrant and growing homeschool community, with many co-ops and enrichment programs supporting families on their educational journey. These communities provide opportunities for students to learn alongside peers, build relationships and develop new skills. Modern homeschooling recognizes that learning happens everywhere. Through community partnerships, service projects, internships, athletics, travel and hands-on experiences, students discover that the world itself can become a classroom.
As the homeschool landscape continues to expand, innovative programs and community partnerships are creating new possibilities for students and families. As founders of ELEVATE Scholar-Athlete Leadership Academy, we are grateful to be part of this growing community and excited to share more about the heart, vision and partnerships that are shaping this new opportunity for middle and high school families.
What is ELEVATE and why was it created?
Opening in August 2026, ELEVATE Scholar-Athlete Leadership Academy is a Christ-centered homeschool co-op and enrichment program serving middle and high school students. While most students come from Frederick County, others travel from surrounding counties and neighboring states. Through experiential learning opportunities, ELEVATE seeks to complement and support each family's homeschool journey.
Our mission is to develop students who pursue excellence in mind, body and spirit through meaningful relationships, disciplined athletic training, experiential learning and leadership development. Our vision is to equip students to live with confidence, humility, resilience and purpose—on the court and in every arena of life.
ELEVATE was created to provide meaningful opportunities for students to grow during these formative years. Our desire is to partner with families by providing experiential learning opportunities, mentorship and authentic relationships that help students discover their unique gifts, strengthen their character and develop the confidence and resilience needed to pursue their purpose. As a homeschool co-op, parents are an important part of the experience, with many serving as volunteers and helping create a supportive community that enriches student learning and strengthens relationships among families.
At its heart, ELEVATE exists to help young people discover their purpose and grow into servant leaders who are prepared to positively impact their families, communities and the world around them.
What makes ELEVATE unique?
ELEVATE is intentionally designed around four pillars: Discipleship, Leadership, Scholarship and Sportsmanship. Through a blend of athletic fitness and training, academic enrichment, leadership development, service opportunities and Christ-centered community, students are encouraged to grow intellectually, physically, spiritually and relationally. Each co-op day concludes with student-athletes participating in basketball or volleyball clinics, allowing them to develop their skills while learning the values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship.
Our goal is not simply to help students become better athletes or stronger students. We want to help them become young men and women of character who are prepared to lead and serve others.
What does homeschooling look like today?
Homeschooling today looks very different than many people imagine. One of the biggest misconceptions is that students spend their days isolated at home with limited opportunities to interact with others. In reality, today's homeschool community is vibrant, connected and full of opportunities for students to build friendships, collaborate with peers and develop important social and leadership skills.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling. Families have the flexibility to create a learning experience that best fits their children's unique needs, interests, goals and learning styles. Many students participate in co-ops, dual enrollment programs, athletics, fine arts, internships, community service and enrichment opportunities.
Modern homeschooling recognizes that learning happens everywhere. For many students, the world becomes the classroom. Ultimately, homeschooling gives parents the opportunity to customize an educational experience that helps their children flourish and become all they were created to be.
How are community partnerships enhancing the ELEVATE experience?
One of the things we are most excited about at ELEVATE is the incredible network of community partners investing in the next generation alongside us. We believe some of the richest learning happens when students have the opportunity to learn from experts, mentors and organizations that are passionate about helping young people thrive.
Partners such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, True Sports Physical Therapy, Andrew Simpson of Player's Fitness Performance, Middletown Valley Bank, David Chance of Chance Media & Music Group and artist Yemi Fagbohun bring unique experiences and expertise that enrich our students' learning. Through these partnerships, students are exposed to leadership, financial literacy, creativity, healthy habits and spiritual growth while building relationships with people who are making a positive impact in our community.
We are also incredibly grateful for our collaboration with Shoot360 Frederick, which we are proud to call home. Owners David and Kelly Crawmer have been generous supporters, and their willingness to open their state-of-the-art facility to ELEVATE has created a unique environment where students can learn, train and grow. Their collaboration has helped make it possible for us to offer an experience that reflects our commitment to developing the whole student—mind, body and spirit.
At ELEVATE, we believe education is strengthened when families, businesses, churches and community organizations work together to help young people grow and thrive.
What do you hope students will gain through ELEVATE Scholar-Athlete Leadership Academy?
Our hope is that students grow into confident, humble, resilient young men and women who love God, serve others and use their gifts to make a positive difference in the world.
We hope students develop meaningful friendships, experience the encouragement of mentors and discover the joy of learning, leading and growing alongside others. We also hope ELEVATE fosters a strong and connected community of families who encourage one another and share a common desire to help young people reach their fullest potential.
Ultimately, our desire is to create an environment where students and families feel known, supported and encouraged as they pursue excellence and become all they were created to be.
At ELEVATE, students don’t just learn...they grow through mentorship, movement and a community committed to shaping their future.