About Me
Welcome friends,I'm Ashley—a homeschool mama, teacher, curriculum creator, and lifelong lover of the arts, literature, and history. I'm also a firm believer that education should be filled with beautiful ideas, wonderful stories, meaningful experiences, and plenty of opportunities for children to discover and develop their God-given gifts.
My own journey into education began long before I became a homeschooling mom. I grew up dancing and went on to study dance, English, and graphic design. I've always loved the performing arts, but I've also had a deep appreciation for literature, history, writing, and the beauty of a rich education.
When I became a mother, I imagined sharing my love of dance with my children. But God had other plans! He blessed me with two energetic boys who developed a love for acting and theater, and our family's journey eventually led us into homeschooling.
What began as an unexpected path has become one of the greatest blessings of our family life.
Where the Arts and Humanities Come TogetherAs we began homeschooling, I discovered the beauty of a Charlotte Mason-inspired education and the richness of classical Christian learning. I loved the idea of giving my children a generous feast of knowledge—wonderful books, living history, beautiful art, poetry, music, nature study, and opportunities to explore the world around them.
But I also began to see how naturally these subjects could come together.
History becomes so much more memorable when children experience the art, music, and stories of a particular time period. Literature takes on new life when students explore its characters through theater. Art becomes more meaningful when children understand the ideas and stories behind what they're creating. And when children have opportunities to learn, create, and perform alongside friends, something wonderful happens.
Over the years, I've had opportunities to teach children in our homeschool co-op and in a Christian arts-integrated educational program. These experiences have only deepened my love of teaching and my belief that the arts and humanities have an important place in our children's education.
The Heart Behind
Salt & LightFor several years, I've dreamed of creating a Christian homeschool community right here in Castle Rock where children could experience this kind of rich, arts-integrated education.
A place where students could study a wonderful work of literature and then bring it to life onstage. Where they could explore history through art, music, and storytelling. Where they could develop their abilities in drawing, painting, writing, acting, singing, and dance.
But even more than that, I wanted to create a place where children could grow in faith, wisdom, character, and friendship.
A place where we encourage children not simply to pursue excellence for their own sake, but to recognize their gifts as blessings from God—gifts they can use to serve others and bring glory to Him.
That's the heart behind Salt & Light Arts Academy.
Inspired by Jesus' words in Matthew 5:13–16, my hope is to cultivate a community of young people who love what is true, good, and beautiful and who are encouraged to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Beginning Small, Dreaming BigWe're beginning with a small Friday morning enrichment program, bringing together Scripture and prayer, visual arts, literature and writing, and theater. But my hope is that Salt & Light will grow into something much more over the years—a thriving Christian homeschool arts and humanities community where students of all ages can deepen their knowledge, develop their artistic talents, and form lasting friendships.
I envision a place where younger children can discover a love of the arts and older students can pursue more advanced studies in literature, history, music, visual arts, and theater.
For now, though, I'm simply excited to begin!
I'm grateful for the opportunity to share the subjects I love with other homeschool families, and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for Salt & Light Arts Academy.
I hope your family will be part of the journey.
With love,
Ashley HartfordFounder, Salt & Light Arts Academy