Fall 2020 Faulkner Lifestyle

education
Mentor Learning Academy:
Shaping Lifelong Learners
BY: JENNIFER STANLEY
Mentor Learning Academy (MLA)
was founded by Conway
resident Jenny Wallace as a
homeschool option for junior high
and high school students. During this
unprecedented time, Jenny’s goal is
to offer an alternative learning opportunity
for those parents and students
desiring to homeschool with a focus
on critical thinking.
The concept of MLA is not new for
Jenny, who began brainstorming the idea
two years ago; however, she initially
intended for the group to meet in-person.
Jenny is a problem solver, who is not
easily deterred. Thus, given current
circumstances, MLA is a virtual co-op;
classes meet once per week for three
hours. Jenny, a Guy native, is married to
Cameron, and they have four children:
Andrew, Parker, Joleigh, and Piper.
Of MLA’s pivot to online instruction,
she says, “When COVID-19 struck, I
knew the best option would be to meet
virtually. I love the possibility of having
kids from all over the country.” Regardless
of its delivery method, MLA provides a
unique, practical alternative for junior high
and high school learners. “All the co-ops
in our area require parents to be involved
in the co-op. There are a couple of other
options, but they are very pricy. I wanted
to offer an option for parents who were
not able to participate in the co-op setting
but who also struggled to afford the few
options available,” she says.
MLA is exceptional in its classical
approach to education, which offers
a means of learning using skills that
26 faulkner lifestyle | fall 2020