5-8 Year Old Program FULL for 2026/27 School Year

About our Community

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Our Christ-centered community brings together like-minded families with a shared passion for faith, family and personalized education.

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Our Core Mission

At Ashton Acres Academy, our mission is to empower families through Christ-centered homeschooling. We provide a nurturing community where faith is foundational, creativity is encouraged, and every child is equipped to thrive. Together, we cultivate a lifelong love of learning—rooted in purpose and guided by truth.

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Discover our Community

Our supportive network of families at Ashton Acres Academy nurtures creativity, encourages collaboration, and builds strong character. Whether you are new to homeschooling or walking this path for years, we invite you to grow with us—one season, one student, one step at a time. Come to one of our info sessions to learn more!

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Tabitha — Glenwood, IA

Ashton Acres helped us build structure to our homeschooling routine. The classroom allowed my daughter to flourish while still maintaining the homeschool life we cherished. Plus, Mrs. Hardesty is just fabulous!

Julianne — Council Bluffs, IA

“Ashton Acres has been an incredible blessing for our family. Over the past year, we’ve watched our boys grow in confidence, faith, and character through the encouragement of Yolanda and the entire Ashton Acres community. We especially love the one-room schoolhouse model, where students learn from one another and develop leadership and responsibility. It truly is a loving environment where children and families feel supported as they grow in the character of Christ.”

Sarah Z. — Omaha, NE

We first met Yolanda as my oldest daughter’s 4th grade teacher and we quickly realized how lucky we were. She engages her students with anecdotes from her life and holds them to a high standard behaviorally and academically, all while exuding grace and compassion. While I am sad to see her leave the hybrid school my children attend, I am so thankful to now count her as a friend and source of encouragement, both in homeschooling and motherhood, and I look forward to hearing how families will be impacted through her role at Ashton Acres Academy.

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Meet Our Board Members

Yolanda Hardesty

Secretary

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Christin McDermott

President

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Andrea Barman

Treasurer

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Ready to Begin Your Homeschool Journey?

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Join a Christ—centered community where families grow in faith, students are inspired to learn, and lasting connections are made. Take the next step toward a purposeful and enriching homeschool experience—we're here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

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Yolanda Hardesty

Secretary

Yolanda is a wife of 22 years, a homeschool mom of four, and a proud military veteran. Her heart for service has led her from working in a family home at Boys Town to faithfully walking alongside homeschooling families today. A devoted follower of Jesus, Yolanda is passionate about building up those around her and pointing others back to our Creator. She loves homesteading, lifelong learning, and discovering the beauty in the simple things God has designed. Her desire is to help families grow in both faith and education within this Christ-centered community.

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Christin McDermott

President

Christin grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and is a mom to two amazing young men. After graduating from a state university and working in the corporate world, she now works in a vocational communications position. Her dream to homeschool was fulfilled when her son asked to be homeschooled in the 7th/8th grade. When she had the opportunity to teach 3rd grade at a homeschool co-op, the dream grew into a life-long pursuit of advocacy and supporting homeschools and homeschooling families in her community and beyond.

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Andrea Barman

Treasurer

Honest and joyful, Andrea is a Christ follower who lives with a heart for serving others. As a devoted daughter, sister, and aunt, she understands the deep value of family and community. A lifelong learner and passionate homeschool advocate, Andrea believes that people matter and that every child deserves an education rooted in faith and flexibility. When she’s not helping families find their dream homes as a trusted realtor, you might find her dancing, laughing, and encouraging others. Andrea is honored to support this collaborative, believing wholeheartedly in its mission to equip and empower homeschooling families.

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