Illumina's Homeschool Instructional-Tutoring Program (HIP) is an innovative learning model created by Dennise Ondina, a former school principal who combined decades of educational experience with the voices of parents—and the needs of students and how they learn best. 

 

We’re not a school, nor your average homeschool program — and that’s exactly what makes us who we are. HIP offers a prepared environment where children and teens have purposeful, challenging, and connected learning experiences that help them become independent and confident thinkers equipped for lifelong success.

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What We Do

Three words define our day-to-day: Engagement. Curiosity. Learning.
(Okay—four, if you count FUN!)

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Our homeschool program combines:

✔️ Small group and 1-on-1 instruction for ages 6–15
✔️ A full spectrum of academic subjects plus essential 21st-century skills
✔️ Creative and cultural enrichment, including Art, Spanish, and more
✔️ Hands-on, project-based learning that brings concepts to life
✔️ A dynamic yet structured schedule that supports focus and flexibility
✔️ Meaningful field trips and capstone projects that connect learning to the real world
✔️ Led by certified, experienced teachers who understand diverse learning needs

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Why Families Choose HIP: The Homeschool Program That Thinks Differently

• Top-Tier Educators

Our instructors are passionate, highly skilled, and deeply committed to student growth. They teach to their strengths—and ignite a love of learning in every child. With nearly zero staff turnover, students benefit from lasting, meaningful relationships with trusted educators who truly know them.

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• Socratic-Scholar Environment

HIP kids are articulate communicators, fierce readers, and confident writers. They're analytical, and scientifically minded, and eager to ask "why." Here, learning isn't just something they do—it's something they love. 

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• Real Growth, Real Results

Our 98% daily attendance rate says it all: students don’t want to miss a day. HIP illuminators consistently exceed benchmark expectations while developing lifelong skills in independence, critical thinking and self-mastery.

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• Not a School—and Proud of It!

With all due respect to the great schools of the world, we’re not one of them—and that’s by design. HIP is something entirely different: a dynamic tutoring-homeschool program within a developmentally responsive environment that honors how kids actually learn.  Some families have compared us with “The Magic School Bus” or the “Old-fashioned Schoolhouse." Rather than grouping children by grade, we group by developmental stage, meeting students exactly where they are—and helping them grow at their own pace (often beyond traditional grade levels). 

​        Families have called HIP “ a little like The Magic School Bus meets the old-fashioned one   

          room schoolhouse.” 

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• Flexible Schedule That Supports Whole-Child Learning

Our flexible homeschool-tutoring hours allows students to engage in deep, focused learning—and still have time for other pursuits. Many of our homeschoolers participate in competitive sports, creative arts programs, co-op learning, and private lessons at home.

 

HIP is designed to support both academic excellence and personal freedom—so students can thrive in every part of their lives. Our micro-community is intentionally small, developmentally balanced, and truly child-centered. A safe place where curiosity leads, learning lasts, and children make like-minded friendships.​

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Ready to See the Difference?

Let’s talk about how we can support your child’s unique learning journey.

📞 Book a consultation today—and discover why HIP might be exactly what you've been looking for.

Please Note: Due to our small-group model, space is limited and we may have a waitlist.

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