Welcome to Arches Homestead Academy
At Arches Homestead Academy, we believe that hands-on learning is the key to developing a love for science in children. Additionally, by exploring the land, water, plants and animals in our own backyards, children will appreciate the wonders of nature and through scientific advancement grow into the next generation who can help protect it.
Our Philosophy
We believe that every child has the potential to become a scientist. Here at Arches, we see science all around us, and invite students to glove up and dig in to explore the world around and even inside us as they develop a love of scientific learning. Once students are inspired, not even the sky is the limit.
Our Founder and Instructor
Carolyn McDonald, MD, MBA
Dr. Carolyn McDonald graduated from St. Olaf College in Minnesota in 2004 with a BA in Biology and minors in Biomedical Studies and Chemistry. She then earned her Doctorate of Medicine from Creighton University in 2008 and went on to specialize in Emergency Medicine. As an Air Force Veteran, she served in Texas, Maryland and deployed abroad, treating the illnesses and injuries of all in need as well as teaching as a professor for the military medical school in Maryland. She is mom to 3 boys, and after relocating from the DC area to Texas, she began a new teaching journey, homeschooling her boys due to Covid. She completed her M.B.A at the University of Texas, Dallas in 2021 and now has a passion to combine her science, medical and business skills into Arches, where students can ignite their passion for science.
To fit different student's interests, ages and availability, Arches has courses for upper elementary and middle school students as well as high school students. Courses are available virtually to fit into your busy schedules. In the DFW area, Arches can come to your school, club or co-op for in-person courses.
Our Farm
We have always felt most at home in nature and we now have a little pocket of nature to share with you. On our homestead farm, we breed and raise mini donkeys, chickens, nut and fruit trees and a garden, each of which help us teach students a litte more about the life around us and how to be good stewards of it.