Homeschool wasn’t always the plan for Shawn and Sonya Hemmings.

But when their son’s severe food allergies made regular schooling too much of a risk, Sonya took the advice of her mother, a former teacher, to educate Kellen at home.

Now Hemmings teaches her four children –11-year-old Kellen, 9-year-old Kerrick, 6-year-old Kennah and 4-year-old Keillor — at their Chandler home, but they still get a taste of regular schooling with Kyrene’s C.A.S.A. Vida, also called the Community Assisted Schooling Alternative Homeschool Enrichment Center.

This year, C.A.S.A. Vida is housed at Kyrene de la Estrella in Ahwatukee. Students can come in for a full day on Thursdays or Fridays and take lessons in science, technology, art, physical education and music.