What started as a mother’s quest for a better educational model has blossomed into a thriving community resource. Kristen Bruestle launched her program in 2020, seeking an alternative to traditional public schooling or the full burden of homeschooling. She envisioned a model that combined the flexibility of home education with the support of professional, small-group classroom instruction, all while incorporating Christian faith-based values.
“Our business provides high-quality, accessible education for families seeking alternative options like homeschooling,” Bruestle explains. “Families choose how many days a week their children attend and complete the rest of their curriculum at home, giving them flexibility while receiving support from professional teachers and the benefits of a classroom environment.”
The demand for this unique approach became undeniable, with over 60 students on a waitlist signaling a clear need for expansion. Their goal: to build additional learning centers to serve more families.
Overcoming the Build-Out Challenge
The initial hurdle was finding a location that could truly support their vision for hands-on, creative, and engaging learning. In this space, students could explore and access the outdoors, all without relying on public educational funding.
“Once we found the perfect location for our growing program, it was a large open warehouse that needed to be transformed into a functional educational space,” the owner shared. This led them to seek out funding to construct four additional learning centers, along with a makerspace for STEM and art projects and an instructional cooking area for hands-on educational classes.
A Local Connection Leads to Success
The path to funding began with a helpful conversation right in their community. During the process of obtaining permits, the owner met Kaysville City Mayor Tami Tran.
“After hearing about our program, she suggested I look into the Davis Fund,” the owner recalls. “She was incredibly supportive and pointed me in the right direction.”
This introduction led them to the USBCI program, which stood out among other options. “We felt very well taken care of throughout the entire process,” the owner stated. “The USBCI program offered favorable terms, clear communication, and a transparent path forward to help us continue growing.”
Tangible Growth and Community Impact
Utilizing USBIC funding, the business successfully built out its four new learning centers and specialized educational spaces, directly leading to massive expansion:
- Student Enrollment: Increased from 45 students to 106—a 135.5% growth.
- Job Growth: Increased its teaching staff from 4 to 8—a 100% increase (doubling the workforce).
“The funding we received has been instrumental in expanding our Makers Space, Cooking Programs, and in helping us build four vibrant learning centers that enrich our students’ educational experience, providing them with safe and unique hands-on learning that goes beyond traditional instruction,” said Cydnee Peterson, lead teacher. “These opportunities nurture creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills that are essential for success in today’s world. The investment in these programs is truly an investment in our students’ future.”
Looking ahead, the company is poised for long-term success, with plans to build additional learning centers, open another campus, and expand its offerings to include summer and after-school programs.
“I would definitely recommend applying for USBCI financing,” the owner advises other Utah businesses. “As a new small business, it provided us with an opportunity that would have been difficult to qualify for elsewhere. The entire process was incredibly positive and smooth.”