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About Us

Classes at the co-op are guided by the parents of enrolled homeschoolers. Lessons provide opportunities for group work, independent exploration, hands-on learning, and open-ended projects. Our goal is to inspire our children and foster an independent desire for learning.

Community is very important to us, both within the school and outside our walls. Weekly class interactions help promote friendships, build community, and offer natural opportunities for collaboration.

We offer Kindergarten through high school classes. We accept students with learning disabilities, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum, and other learning profiles. We encourage ongoing dialogue between parents and teachers to nurture every student.

We are a secular co-op; this means that content will be taught from a non-religious perspective. Children and families are welcome to share their personal faith perspectives when it is relevant to the topic. We are respectful of everyone’s right to their own religious and philosophical views.

At STEAM, all students, families, and volunteers have a unique role to play. Our inclusive culture empowers all of us to connect, belong, and grow—ALL are welcome here.

For more detailed information see our family packet

All financial and IRS documents are available by request.

Meet our Administrator

Laurel Blackmon profile photo.jpg

Dr. Laurel Blackmon brings a heartfelt passion for education to our school community. She has over 25 years of teaching, teacher education, tutoring, consulting, and administration experience, in addition to a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. The Blackmon family has been an active part of our STEAM community for eight years. During this time, Dr. Blackmon empowered students to think critically and create with confidence while leading our initial expansion from a K–5 to a K-8 program. After stepping into administration two years ago, she completed our vision for a seamless K–12 program by designing and launching our high school program and curriculum. Warm, dedicated, and visionary, Dr. Blackmon continues to shape the heart of our school family and inspire the next generation of thinkers.

Meet our Board

Our Board of Directors is made of Parents and Community Members.  We meet regularly to help in the smooth flow of our CO-OP.

2026-2027 Directors

Beth Herz, President

Sarah Shilling, Secretary

Kerry McKenna

Joy Pritchard

Becky Roller

Chanell Maloney

Cristina Santiestevan

Abbi Horsfall

Vice President: vacant*

Treasurer: vacant*

*intersted in helping or serving a term on the board or a committee? contact us! 

P.O. Box 112 Markham, VA 22643

© 2024 by The STEAM School

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