Discover a New Way to Learn and Connect!
Symbiotica is a teaching and learning lab designed for homeschool students in grades 5–7. Every Monday and Wednesday, homeschool students gather at Cedarville University to learn math, science, social studies, and language arts. They thrive in the interactive classroom setting as they’re taught by Cedarville middle childhood education majors — all under the expert guidance of Cedarville faculty.
Students grow in a Christ-centered environment, benefiting from curriculum taught from a Christian worldview by knowledgeable teacher candidates. Between engaging classroom instruction, educational field trips, and fun interactions with other students, Symbiotica is an enriching, comprehensive learning experience.
What Do Students Experience?
Innovative Education
The Cedarville middle childhood education majors that teach in Symbiotica are immersed in their own curriculum, learning practical teaching skills, while Symbiotica is in session. They apply what they’ve learned in the classroom, so students benefit from the most innovative teaching methods. Rooted in biblical truth, the curriculum nurtures thinking from a Christian worldview.
Fun Field Trips
Students participate in a variety of field trips throughout the year. Not only do these excursions break up the routine of the classroom setting, but they also provide students with authentic, hands-on learning experiences! For example, Symbiotica students visited Glen Helen Nature Preserve to extend the science unit on plants. At the preserve, students were able to use dichotomous keys to identify trees.
New Friendships
With interactive instruction and collaborative learning, students will connect with each other meaningfully and grow new friendships during Symbiotica! Teachers foster a sense of community and unity in the classroom, too.
Did You Know?
Why the Name Symbiotica?
Symbiotica was named for the symbiotic, or mutually beneficial, relationship that it fosters! Homeschool students receive innovative instruction, while Cedarville students majoring in middle childhood education gain valuable experience in the classroom.
Mark Your Calendar!
Stay connected with Symbiotica’s upcoming events and activities. The calendar is filled with exciting opportunities, so you can stay involved and never miss a beat on what’s coming up next.
- August 20 — Symbiotica Studio for New Students, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
- August 28 — Symbiotica Family Picnic and Games, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
- September 1 — Installment 1 of Tuition Due
- September 4
- First Day of Class for Fall Symbiotica, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Meeting with Parents, 2 p.m.–3 p.m.
- October 2 — Installment 2 of Tuition Due
- November 1 — Installment 3 of Tuition Due
- November 6
- Last Day of Class for Fall Symbiotica, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Symbiotica Symposium, 2–3 p.m.
Our Mission
Symbiotica’s mission is to provide a space where participants are mutually benefited and bring glory to God through academic achievement, social interactions, and emotional self-awareness. While the core subjects of language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science are the heart of the curriculum, Symbiotica students will continue to develop their divinely given curiosity, wonder, and imagination. We anticipate a loving, kind, grace-filled environment with the 4 Rs of respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, and reasoning describing the comportment of students, teachers, and parents. As a community we strive to commune in a peaceful, loving, and robust environment to the glory of God.
Faculty
Symbiotica was set into motion by Dr. Lori Ferguson and Dr. Ruth Sylvester, who launched the teaching and learning lab in September 2023! Drs. Ferguson and Sylvester guide the middle childhood education majors who teach in Symbiotica.
Lori Ferguson, EdD
Assistant Dean, Assistant Professor of EducationContact
- WI 113
- 937-766-7784
