Relationships First.

Relevance Always.

Research in Practice.

We design pro-social, need-based, high-interest learning that nurtures scholarship and a heart for self and others.

About Us

““We do school, but we are not a school. We are a network of educational services designed to support the whole child and the whole family.”
— Dr. Crystal Goins, Founder

Heartwise Scholars began as a microschool in Dr. Goins’ home in August 2024, serving nine students in grades PreK–5. By February 2025, the homeschool tutoring and enrichment program expanded into a learning center, growing from 17 students in its first year to 23 scholars in year two.

With a mission to cultivate a socially motivated network of scholars ages 5–18, Dr. Goins equips students to be highly relational through social-emotional learning, heartwise decision-making, and restorative practices. When students feel deeply known and cared for, their capacity for academic growth and meaningful community engagement expands.

Heartwise Scholars partners with children, families, caregivers, and schools to provide the “village” support needed to raise young people who care for themselves, their community, and the world.

Now Enrolling For Summer Sessions

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Now Enrolling for 2026-2027 (K-6th grade)

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Booking for Professional Development Now!

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Now Enrolling For Summer Sessions · Now Enrolling for 2026-2027 (K-6th grade) · Booking for Professional Development Now! ·

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    K-6 Homeschool Tutoring and Enrichment

    We offer homeschool tutoring and enrichment for scholars ages 5–12 at our one-room schoolhouse learning center in the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake. Our 4-day “Slay and Play” model blends morning academics with enrichment on Mondays and Wednesdays, and study halls, park time, and passion projects on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    Middle school learners, known as Pathfinders, have opportunities for greater independence, including off-campus privileges to participate in additional electives and select core courses.

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    Afterschool Clubs/ Summer Programming

    After-School Clubs
    Our learning center transforms into an interest-based community hub after school. Scholars ages 7–12 can explore clubs such as GLOW Club (God Lights Our Way), Art, Young Entrepreneurship, and Chess while building friendships and social confidence. Clubs run Monday–Thursday from 3:30–4:30 PM during the school year.

    Summer Social Club
    Our six-week summer enrichment program is offered in two three-week sessions from June 29th to August 6th designed to strengthen social connection and community. Mornings include Spanish, Book Club, SEL, and Mathletics, while afternoons feature project time, and rotating enrichment in Art, Music, and PE, plus a weekly group field trip.

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    SEL Coaching Services with Academic Support

    Dr. Goins shares her gift for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with community youth ages 5–18 through private coaching, with or without academic support. Many children struggle with self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills. Through a trusted relationship with Dr. Goins, youth learn to make Heartwise decisions that help them grow in confidence, character, and productivity while learning to value themselves and others.

  • Professional Learning

    Dr. Goins is a trusted education professional whose work is both research-based and grounded in real classroom experience. Because she continues to work directly with students, her insights and methods remain relevant to today’s learners.

    From Social Motivational Theory to Heartwise Decision Making, she offers professional development for educators and engaging school assemblies for students that strengthen community connection and encourage both individual and collective responsibility for respect and relationships in the learning environment.

What Sets Us Apart

We personalize learning within a supportive, mixed-age community of scholars and mentors. Through mastery experiences and positive social influence, we motivate students to reach their highest potential — academically and relationally.

Small by Design
Our homeschool program intentionally limits enrollment (max 30 scholars) to preserve depth of relationship and individualized support.

One-Room Schoolhouse Model
Mixed-age learning fosters leadership, empathy, and authentic collaboration.

Community-Connected Learning
Scholars engage in rich enrichment experiences both inside and beyond the learning center — including art, music, forest school, crochet, Spanish, cooking, swim lessons, and more.

Personalized. Progress-Monitored. Purposeful.
Each learning plan strengthens relationships, connects to real-world application, and is guided by MAP data and ongoing assessment to ensure measurable growth.

Family Partnership, Not Competition
We honor the leadership of parents and collaborate with families and schools to support each child socially, emotionally, and academically.

  • Our children absolutely love it.

    Our experience with Heartwise Scholars has been wonderful. Our children absolutely love it. They are genuinely excited to go to school each day. Learning is fun, engaging, and tailored to meet them where they are so they can truly excel. They’re exposed to so many valuable new things, and it’s amazing to watch them grow in both confidence and curiosity.

    —Amanda, Parent

  • The team truly cares about each student’s growth—not just academically, but personally as well.

    My experience with Heartwise Scholars has been absolutely wonderful. The team truly cares about each student’s growth—not just academically, but personally as well. The mentors are knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly supportive, always going the extra mile to ensure students feel confident and capable.

    — Kathy, Parent

  • I can say they honestly put the children first at all times, ensuring their safety, their happiness, and that their education comes first.

    This is our first year partnering with Heartwise Scholars as one of their many enrichment programs. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Crystal, all other staff, and the families in her community. They have clear communication, share similar core values in early education, and are willing to be flexible with all the uncertainty that comes with my outdoor program, which I appreciate in a partnership. I had enrolled my 9yr old in Heartwise and I can say they honestly put the children first at all times, ensuring their safety, their happiness, and that their education comes first. It has been heaven sent in keeping my homeschooler socialized, and an ideal addition to my enrichment community.

    -Katie, parent and, Wonderforest, Enrichment Business Partner

  • Heartwise Scholars is the epitome of an athlete because they have a goal of building strong, well-rounded scholars,  and citizens of the community.

    D1 Chesapeake has been thrilled to partner with the Heartwise Scholars Program! D1 Training is “The Place of the Athlete” and we identify Athlete as anyone with a goal. Heartwise Scholars is the epitome of an athlete because they have a goal of building strong, well-rounded scholars,  and citizens of the community. Being an athlete means being strong physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially; that is what excites us with partnering with Heartwise Scholars as our goals are aligned and focused on building the future generations in a holistic manner.

    ⁃ Marvin,  D1 Training, Enrichment Business Partner 

  • It brings me so much joy to watch students gain confidence in their face when they look at their completed work as so rewarding.

    Luke 12:48 says in part… “to whom much is given, much is required”! I have been blessed to share my artistic talent of over 25 years where I have taught all levels of Visual Arts. It brings me so much joy to watch students gain confidence in their face when they look at their completed work as so rewarding. I’m grateful to be at Heartwise Scholars. I’m blessed to continue sharing my Art and instruction with an amazing group of students.

    ⁃ Leisa, Art By Leisa, Enrichment Business Partner

  • The small group setting allows students to engage in learning and build relationships with other scholars as well as teachers and tutors.

    As a reading tutor with Heartwise Scholars I have been blessed to work with students in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Students are learning at their pace and on their specific level. The small group setting allows students to engage in learning and build relationships with other scholars as well as teachers and tutors. The relationships are the key to success and growth. Students and teachers are able to build trust and respect for one another through one on one communication as well as in small groups. Each student and teacher has value within the learning community.

    ⁃ Kayley, Reading Tutor

  • I like the way Dr. Goins has helped the kids collaborate and care for each other.

    I feel that Heartwise has such good energy and I love the environment Dr. Goins has made for everyone. As a student mentor, I really enjoy watching the kids learn and grow. I like the way Dr. Goins has helped the kids collaborate and care for each other.

    -Sasha, Student Mentor

  • The leadership team is incredibly patient, thoughtful, and supportive, which creates a positive atmosphere for both teachers and students.

    As the music teacher at Heartwise Scholars, I’ve had a wonderful experience being part of this learning community. The leadership team is incredibly patient, thoughtful, and supportive, which creates a positive atmosphere for both teachers and students. The children are genuinely eager to learn, and it’s clear that the program is very intentional about understanding how each student learns best. The school thoughtfully considers what each child needs in order to grow and thrive. Because of this, Heartwise Scholars creates a truly special and nurturing learning environment where students feel encouraged, supported, and excited about learning.

    -Jocelyn, Creative Music and Entertainment, Enrichment Business Partner

Check out our Homeschool Tutoring and Enrichment Programs