Portals is designed to be a flexible curriculum—not a rigid, “on-rails” program that dictates every step of your child’s day. Our goal is to equip parents and teachers rather than control them, providing clear lesson guidance, structure, and resources while allowing families to adapt learning to their own schedules, goals, and children’s needs. Flexible learning does not mean disorderly learning; it means parent-led learning supported by strong structure.

​

How Flexible Learning Works

 

Each Portals lesson clearly outlines what to read, discuss, and do, while families retain the freedom to determine pacing, calendar structure, and daily learning flow. Many families follow a four-day academic week and use the fifth day for field trips, projects, service opportunities, co-ops, or family needs. Others adapt the schedule to fit their unique home or school setting. You may start, pause, or adjust lessons as needed.

​

Because the curriculum is literature-based and project-centered, materials can easily be added, substituted, or omitted when appropriate. Parents may adjust reading levels for different learners, extend projects when students are deeply engaged, or move more quickly through familiar material. This flexibility makes Portals especially effective for multi-age families, where children can explore the same themes at different levels while sharing discussions and projects together.

​

Historically, flexibility has been a normal expectation in education—particularly in home education—because parents naturally guide learning according to their children’s needs. Portals intentionally preserves this tradition by placing decision-making authority in the hands of families while still providing a comprehensive academic framework.

​

What Families Should Know

 

Flexible learning works best when parents view themselves as active guides in their children’s education. Portals provides the structure, academic sequence, conversation prompts, and project ideas needed for strong learning outcomes, while allowing families to adapt pacing, scheduling, and enrichment opportunities.

This approach reflects a Christ-centered philosophy that recognizes parents as the primary stewards of their children’s education and development—entrusted to guide learning with wisdom, consistency, and care. You know your child better than anyone. God made you their perfect teacher!  ​

​

Advantages of a Flexible Learning Model

​

A flexible model offers several important advantages:

​

Parent-led learning: Families retain the ability to guide pacing, emphasis, and daily structure according to each child’s needs.​

Ideal for multi-age instruction: Children can learn together within shared themes while working at different academic levels.​

Supports literature-based learning: Books can be added, substituted, or adjusted to match reading levels or interests. Additional readings can be found in lesson “Extras” or by contacting Hub Support.​

Essential for project-based learning: Projects often require extended time, real-world scheduling, or spontaneous opportunities that rigid schedules cannot easily accommodate. If you see passion and calling, take more time and expand! ​

Balanced family rhythms: Four-day academic weeks and parent-determined calendars allow time for field trips, service, travel, co-ops, and family priorities without the pressure of "falling behind".​

Reduced pressure and greater ownership: Students often develop stronger motivation and responsibility when learning occurs within a flexible, responsive environment rather than a strictly timed schedule.