Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Hartgrove.
Hi Amy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Amy Hargrove, and my path to founding The Good Life wasn’t a straight line — it was more like a series of unexpected turns that slowly revealed a calling I didn’t know I was walking into.
I started my career in public education, armed with a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from Northwest Missouri State University and a deep love for kids and families. Over the years, I worked in classrooms, churches, and early‑childhood programs, always drawn to the moments when learning felt alive — hands‑on, relational, and rooted in real connection. I also spent time as a youth and family director and even dabbled in improv, which taught me how much creativity and play matter in how children learn.
Then came a season that changed everything: the pandemic, a car wreck, and the growing weight of teaching in a system that no longer felt sustainable. In the middle of all that upheaval, I felt God nudging me toward something I couldn’t yet name. I stepped away from formal teaching to be home with my daughters — a decision that felt like a pause, but ended up being the doorway to a completely new chapter.
Homeschooling wasn’t part of my original plan. But once I began, I saw a need in our community that was bigger than my own family. Families were looking for connection, for creativity, for a way to educate their children that felt more human. With millions of families across the country turning to homeschooling, it was clear that education was shifting — and so were we.
That’s how The Good Life Homeschool Center was born: slowly, faithfully, and with a lot of trust. What began as a simple idea has become a community where kids learn through movement, creativity, faith, and real‑world experiences, and where parents find support and belonging. My husband and I are still walking this out one step at a time, grateful for the way God continues to open doors.
We’re passionate about creating a place where homeschool families can connect, grow, and thrive. This isn’t just education—it’s a calling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting The Good Life Homeschool Center has been one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done, but it definitely hasn’t been effortless. In the beginning, everything felt new — new systems, new expectations, new responsibilities. I went from teaching in established environments to suddenly building one from scratch. There were moments where I wondered if I was in over my head.
The practical side was a challenge too. My husband and I spent countless late nights figuring out business plans, budgets, schedules, and staffing. We were learning as we went, trying to make decisions that honored families while also keeping the program sustainable. There were days when it felt like every answer led to three new questions.
And then there’s the emotional side — stepping away from public school left me with a real longing for purpose. Even once The Good Life started taking shape, I had to navigate the fear of doing something different, something that didn’t look like the traditional path I’d always known. It’s vulnerable to build something that reflects your heart.
But the biggest struggle was simply being patient. Growth takes time. We started with nine students, and while I was grateful, I also had moments of wondering if the vision would really take root. Watching it grow to twenty‑five by the end of the year — and now doubling for year two — has been the reassurance I didn’t know I needed.
Every challenge has shaped the center into what it is now: a place built with intention, resilience, and a whole lot of learning along the way. And honestly, the struggles made the wins feel even more meaningful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At The Good Life Homeschool Center, my work sits at the intersection of education, creativity, and community. I run a two‑day‑a‑week homeschool program designed for families who want something in between traditional school and doing everything on their own. We specialize in hands‑on, low‑tech, project‑based learning — the kind of learning that feels like real life instead of worksheets. Kids build things, explore, experiment, collaborate, and move. They learn at their own pace with teachers who actually know how to teach.
I think what I’m most known for is creating an environment that feels warm, welcoming, and genuinely child‑centered. Families often tell me, “It just feels good here,” and that’s something I’m really proud of. We’ve built a place where kids can be curious, creative, and confident, and where parents feel supported instead of isolated.
I’m also proud of the community we’ve created. The Good Life isn’t just classes — it’s field trips, holiday parties, service projects, dances, and families doing the homeschool journey together. That sense of belonging is a huge part of what makes us different.
What sets us apart is the combination of experienced teachers and a truly flexible, modern approach to learning. We’re not trying to recreate public school at home. We’re creating something new — a space where kids learn through movement, real‑world projects, and meaningful relationships. Our teachers bring years of experience, but they also bring creativity and heart. And because we’re low‑tech and hands‑on, kids spend their days actually doing things, not staring at screens.
I’m proud of the growth too. We opened in September 2025 with nine students. By the end of the year, we had twenty‑five. Now, heading into year two, we’re doubling — maybe even more. That tells me we’re meeting a real need for Northland families who want a high‑quality, community‑driven homeschool option.
At the end of the day, my work is about giving kids a place to learn in a way that feels natural and joyful — and giving families a place to belong. That’s what The Good Life is all about.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
When it comes to the things that help me do my best — in work and in life — my biggest “resources” aren’t apps or podcasts. They’re my people and my faith. My spiritual family and close friends keep me grounded, encouraged, and honest. They’re the ones I can process ideas with, laugh with, and lean on when things get overwhelming.
And honestly, opening the Word of God is what centers me the most. Reading scripture helps me reset, refocus, and remember why I’m doing what I’m doing. It gives me clarity when I’m making decisions and peace when things feel chaotic. That rhythm — staying connected to my community and staying connected to God — is what keeps me steady in every season.
Everything else is just extra.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thegoodlifehc.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Good-Life-Homeschool-Center/61578080680308/
