Children sitting together outdoors in the woods beside a turtle
EnrollingOpen through summer into fall — while spots last.
A Micro-Homeschool · Ages 3–8

The kingdom of childhood, kept whole.

St. Emmelia is a small, faith-formed school in South Mississippi where children spend their days outside, around real work, real food, and beautiful learning.

A child painting a colorful rainbow in a sketchbook
Children exploring together outdoors in the woods
  • Healthy, nourishing meals

    Real food, prepared with the children.

  • Daily time in nature

    Garden, forest, and weather as teachers.

  • Play-based learning

    Wonder and curiosity lead the way.

  • Habit training & life skills

    Quiet, capable hands and steady hearts.

  • Beautiful art, music & literature

    Beauty as a daily, formative gift.

In January 2026, a second-generation homeschool mom and educator of 15+ years opened St. Emmelia -- a micro-homeschool off Kiln-Delisle Road in Kiln, Mississippi -- build around the warmth and richness of Waldorf, Charlotte Mason, and Classical traditions.

What Sets Us Apart

Quietly distinct on the Coast.

An exclusive curriculum

The only known local program using the Wondergarten curriculum — built around preserving the wonder of childhood.

A holistic approach

Inspired by Waldorf, Charlotte Mason, and Classical methods. We form the whole child — body, mind, heart, and spirit.

Affordable & flexible

Designed to be accessible to local families, with customizable class options to fit different budgets and schedules.

We are openly Orthodox Christian — prayer, saint stories, and the rhythm of the liturgical year are part of our days. Families from any Christian tradition are warmly welcomed; secular families are too.

Explore Our Programs
Our Programs

What life at St. Emmelia looks like.

Our classes are offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings all year long from 8:00am–4:00pm. Families may choose to attend all 4 days, or create a custom schedule that works for them. Check with us for availability.

Who It's For

A home for three kinds of families.

  • New to homeschooling

    Guidance and support as you begin.

  • Affordable alternative

    A beautiful, accessible option.

  • Already homeschooling

    Community and enrichment to add on.

Our Process

How families begin with us.

A simple, unhurried path from your first hello to your child's first morning circle.

Children exploring the ground together outdoors in the woods at St. Emmelia
  1. 01

    Reach Out

    Send a note or give us a call — we'll listen first.

  2. 02

    Visit a Morning

    Wander the forest, meet the children, see the rhythm.

  3. 03

    Choose Your Rhythm

    Flexible schedules — full or part-time, agreed upon at enrollment.

  4. 04

    Begin & Belong

    Settle in to a quiet, ordered, joyful day.

Come spend a quiet morning with us.

Visits are unhurried — bring your child, wander the forest.

Schedule a Visit
Where We Serve

A homegrown school, rooted on the Coast.

St. Emmelia welcomes families across South Mississippi — from Pearl River County to the Gulf. If you're nearby, we'd love to meet you.

  • Picayune
  • Bay St. Louis
  • Kiln
  • Diamondhead
  • Pass Christian
  • Carriere
  • Poplarville
1 / 2

Can't find your city? Please contact us.

Caring Educators Guiding Every Child's Growth

From Our Families

Quiet days. Lasting impressions.

Children baking together at St. Emmelia
Parent Review
We had the BEST experience with St Emmelia! So thankful this was the first school experience my son had. Mrs Corinna taught my 4 year old with so much love and patience. Her school provided a safe and healthy (mind, body, spirit) environment. He couldn't wait to go to school and learn skills like baking muffins, sharing with others, art, spelling, and music. I love the way this school made learning fun! I appreciated the use of outdoor time and encouragement to use his imagination. I can't recommend St Emmelia enough. As a homeschool parent, him learning from another trusted adult with other precious kids (not in our household) was so beneficial in his education experience. Bonus, it was a much needed reset for me too.
A St. Emmelia Family
9
Children per class

Maximum class size — small enough to know each child by heart.

100%
Whole-food meals

Real food, prepared together each morning.

5+
Hours outdoors weekly

Garden, forest, and seasonal study.

Licensed Partner

Mississippi's only licensed Wondergarten partner.

Common Questions

What parents ask first.

A child working independently on schoolwork in a cozy reading nook
Reserve a visit

Come see a morning at St. Emmelia.

We open the doors a few times each season for families considering enrollment. Wander the forest, meet the children, and ask anything you'd like.

Contact Us

We respond within 24 hours. No spam, ever.