BRINGING LIFE TO LEARNING
Gerber Guidance provides tutoring, core academic instruction, and enrichment through hands-on, experiential learning. We partner with homeschool families and charter programs to support diverse learning needs through interactive classes, projects, field experiences, and life-skills development.
All services are delivered at approved partner sites through our mobile program model.
Gerber Guidance exists to support homeschool families through meaningful, real-world learning experiences. We foster curiosity, confidence, and practical skills that help students grow academically and personally outside the traditional classroom.
Our vision is to see students equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in their education, relationships, and future pursuits.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Heather Gerber is an educator, curriculum creator, entrepreneur, and homeschool parent dedicated to hands-on, experiential learning. She has homeschooled her daughters since her oldest was in first grade and currently teaches them at the upper elementary and high school levels—bringing both personal and professional insight to the families she serves.
As a founder and program director, Heather has developed and led educational programs designed to serve the homeschool community through engaging, project-based instruction. Her passion for creating meaningful learning environments is rooted in both her experience as a parent and her work alongside students in diverse educational settings.
Heather’s approach to education has also been shaped by her background in health sciences and entrepreneurship. Her career in the dental field sparked a love for anatomy, science, and real-world skill development, while her work as a business owner led her to design hands-on trainings, certification programs, and product lines sold internationally. These experiences continue to influence her passion for entrepreneurship education, public speaking, and confidence-building instruction for students.
Today, Heather serves homeschool families through tutoring, enrichment classes, and educational field experiences across home-based, private, and partner learning environments. She is known for fostering spaces where students feel confident, curious, and inspired to engage deeply with learning.
Heather’s greatest joy is helping students discover their strengths and watching families feel supported, equipped, and encouraged in their homeschool journey.
SERVICES
Tutoring
Grades: TK–12
Rate: $60 per hour
Individual and small-group tutoring is available to support student learning across grade levels and subject areas. Sessions are customized to meet each student’s academic needs.
SCIENCE CLASSES
Life Science
Grades: 4–8
Duration: 90 minutes per week
Fee: $720 per semester
Life Science explores living organisms and biological systems through hands-on investigations and project-based learning. Students engage in interactive experiments and activities that bring scientific concepts to life.
Topics may include ecosystems, habitats, human body systems, genetics, cells, and organism structures, aligned with upper elementary and middle school life science standards.
Instruction is aligned with grade-level standards and designed to support charter school requirements. Students complete meaningful work samples through hands-on activities and projects that demonstrate understanding of key concepts.
Earth & Space Science
Grades: 4–8
Duration: 90 minutes per week
Fee: $720 per semester
Earth & Space Science introduces students to Earth’s systems and the universe through interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and scientific exploration. Students engage in experiments and projects that deepen their understanding of the world around them and beyond.
Topics may include geology, weather and climate, natural resources, environmental science, the solar system, and Earth’s place in space, aligned with upper elementary and middle school earth science standards.
Instruction is aligned with grade-level standards and designed to support charter school requirements. Students complete meaningful work samples through hands-on activities and projects that demonstrate understanding of key concepts.
Physical Science
Grades: 4–8
Duration: 90 minutes per week
Fee: $720 per semester
Physical Science focuses on the study of matter, energy, forces, and motion through hands-on investigations and interactive experiments. Students explore scientific concepts through demonstrations, collaborative activities, and real-world applications that make learning engaging and meaningful.
Topics may include properties of matter, energy transfer, forces and motion, simple machines, and basic chemistry concepts, aligned with upper elementary and middle school physical science standards.
Instruction is aligned with grade-level standards and designed to support charter school requirements. Students complete meaningful work samples through hands-on activities and projects that demonstrate understanding of key concepts.
Animal Dissection Lab Workshop
Grades: 4–8
(8-week workshop) Meet every other week
Duration: 3 hours, once per week
Fee: $850 per semester
All specimens, dissection materials included
This hands-on workshop provides students with an engaging introduction to anatomy and biological structures through guided animal dissections. Students will explore internal and external anatomy while developing observation skills, scientific reasoning, and an understanding of how structure relates to function.
Each session includes step-by-step instruction, discussion, and reflection, allowing students to actively participate in the dissection process while building confidence and curiosity in science. Emphasis is placed on respect for specimens, proper tool use, and real-world connections to human biology and life sciences.
Instruction is aligned with grade-level standards and designed to support charter school requirements. Students will complete meaningful work samples through hands-on activities that demonstrate understanding of key concepts.
Semester 1: Marine Biology
This workshop explores marine life and adaptations through hands-on dissections of ocean organisms.
Possible Dissections May Include:
- Squid
- Starfish
- Perch fish
- Crayfish
- Clam
- Mussel
- Sea Urchin
- Dogfish Shark (or small shark specimen)
Semester 2: Human Body Systems
This workshop focuses on how different organisms help us understand the structure and function of human body systems.
Possible Dissections May Include:
- Cow Heart (circulatory system)
- Sheep Brain (nervous system)
- Cow Eye (sensory system)
- Fetal Pig (full body systems overview)
- Sheep Kidney (urinary system)
- Sheep Lung (respiratory system)
- Frog (muscular and organ systems)
- Earthworm (basic organ systems and digestion)
Dissection specimens may vary slightly based on availability.
Instruction is aligned with grade-level standards and designed to support charter school requirements. Students complete meaningful, standards-based work samples and lab documentation that may be used for science submissions.
Entrepreneurship Workshop
Grades: 4–8
(8-week workshop) Meet every other week
Duration: 3 hours, once per week
Fee: $640 per semester
A hands-on, project-based class where students learn how to create, launch, and manage a business. Students develop real-world skills in creativity, problem-solving, financial literacy, communication, and teamwork while bringing business ideas to life.
Semester 1:
Build a Business Together
Students will work together to create and launch a class business centered around organic dog treats—a proven, simple, and highly successful product.
Throughout the workshop, students will:
- Develop a brand and business identity
- Learn product creation and packaging
- Explore pricing, budgeting, and profit
- Practice marketing and customer engagement
- Participate in real-world selling opportunities
Students may help make products during class and are encouraged to continue production at home as they prepare for selling experiences.
Semester 2:
Launch Your Own Business
Students will take what they’ve learned and create their own version of the business. They will develop their own brand, refine their product, and gain hands-on experience selling both individually and as part of a group.
Students will build confidence through real customer interaction, decision-making, and ownership of their business.
Students gain practical, real-life experience through hands-on learning, teamwork, and real-world application. Opportunities may be provided for student-led sales, markets, or community-based selling experiences.
Semester 1 is strongly recommended prior to enrolling in Semester 2
Charter School Alignment
This course aligns with key California State Standards that support charter requirements for upper elementary and middle school in Math, English Language Arts, Science and Social Studies through hands-on, project-based learning.
Optional worksheets and structured work samples are available upon request to support charter documentation and submission requirements.
"I can also provide specific California State Standards by grade level upon request.”
Exploring
the Field of Dentistry
Grades: 4–8
(8-week workshop) Meet every other week
Duration: 3 hours, once per week
Fee: $640 per semester
Students grouped by age and skill level
All materials included
A hands-on, interactive introduction to the world of dentistry led by a Registered Dental Hygienist. This engaging workshop allows students to explore dental science through real tools, clinical-style simulations, and practical life skills in a fun, age-appropriate environment.
Students will build confidence in dental settings while developing a strong foundation in oral health, hygiene, and dental procedures through meaningful, real-world experiences.
Semester 1:
Foundations of Dentistry
Students are introduced to essential dental concepts and foundational skills through engaging, hands-on activities.
Topics include:
- Brushing techniques with disclosing solution (plaque detection)
- Flossing methods (traditional and water flossers)
- Introduction to tooth anatomy and structure
- Cavity formation and prevention
- Sealants (purpose and application demonstration)
- Professional teeth polishing
- Introduction to dental tools (mirror, explorer, suction)
- Electric toothbrushes and oral hygiene technology
Semester 2:
Clinical Skills & Advanced Concepts
Students build upon their foundational knowledge with more advanced techniques and clinical-style applications.
Topics include:
- Dental impressions and mold creation
- Temporary tooth creation and restorations
- Orthodontics (braces, aligners, retainers)
- Understanding dental X-rays and imaging
- Curing lights and filling process simulation
- Advanced use of dental equipment
- Roles within a dental office (dentist, hygienist, assistant)
- Mock dental clinic experience and patient care simulation
Real-World & Career Exploration Opportunities
Opportunities for real-world connection may be incorporated throughout the course.
Older students may have the opportunity to visit a local dental office to observe a clinical setting and explore careers in dentistry.
Guest speakers or dental professionals may also be invited to share their experience and insight when available.
These opportunities are subject to scheduling and availability.
Charter School Alignment
This course aligns with key California State Standards that support charter requirements for elementary and middle school in Science, Health, and English Language Arts through hands-on, project-based learning.
Optional worksheets and structured work samples are available upon request to support charter documentation and submission requirements.
View class course photos in the gallery!
High School Classes by Gerber Guidance
9th Grade Biology
11th Grade Anatomy & Physiology
10th Grade Physics
Grades: 9-12
Duration: 3 hours per week
Fee: $1,375 per semester
A–G Approved through Cabrillo Charter
All lab materials included
Biology explores the fundamental principles of life through hands-on labs, dissections, and scientific inquiry. Students study topics including cell biology, genetics, ecosystems, human body systems, and the diversity of life while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through real-world applications.
Biology fulfills the foundational life science requirement and is typically taken in 9th grade as the starting point for a student’s high school science pathway.
This course is designed as a full-year, two-semester program.
10th Grade Physics
11th Grade Anatomy & Physiology
10th Grade Physics
Grades: 9–12
Duration: 3 hours per week
Fee: $1,375 per semester
A–G Approved through Cabrillo Charter
All lab materials included
Physics explores the principles of motion, forces, energy, and waves through hands-on labs, experiments, and real-world applications. Students will investigate how objects move and interact, developing strong problem-solving and analytical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the physical laws that govern the world around them—from everyday motion to complex systems.
Physics fulfills high school physical science requirements and is a strong 10th grade option, with Chemistry often taken in subsequent years for students pursuing university pathways.
This course is designed as a full-year, two-semester program.
11th Grade Anatomy & Physiology
11th Grade Anatomy & Physiology
11th Grade Anatomy & Physiology
Grades: 9–12
Duration: 3 hours per week
Fee: $1,375 per semester
A–G approved through Cabrillo Charter
All lab materials included
Anatomy & Physiology explores the structure and function of the human body through hands-on labs, dissections, and interactive learning. Students study major body systems including skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems while building a deeper understanding of how the body works.
Anatomy & Physiology is a strong upper-level science option, often taken as a third or fourth year course to support a well-rounded and competitive high school transcript, or by students with an interest in health and medical pathways.
This course is designed as a full-year, two-semester program.
Public Speaking
Business Builders
11th Grade Anatomy & Physiology
Grades: 9–12
Duration: 2 hours per week
Fee: $800 per semester
Public Speaking equips high school students with the confidence and skills to communicate effectively across academic, professional, and real-world settings. Students will learn how to write, organize, and deliver speeches while developing strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
Class time is intentionally structured to include writing, practicing, and presenting, allowing students to receive guided support and feedback throughout the process. Students will also be introduced to elements of speech and debate, as well as real-world communication skills such as interviewing, helping them build confidence in professional and everyday situations.
Students will develop the ability to clearly express their ideas—from structured presentations to real-life conversations, leadership opportunities, and future career settings.
This course is recommended to be taken across two semesters for continued growth and skill development.
Future Pathways
Business Builders
Business Builders
Grades: 9–12
Duration: 2 hours per week
Fee: $850 per semester
Future Pathways is a career-focused course designed to help high school students explore their interests, discover potential career paths, and begin building a vision for their future. Through guided research, presentations, guest speakers from a variety of professional fields, and real-world application, students gain insight into different industries, career options, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Students will have the opportunity to learn from individuals with real-life experience and passion in their field, ask questions, and explore areas of interest more deeply. They will examine education and training requirements, income potential, and day-to-day responsibilities across multiple career pathways, including business ownership, while developing practical skills such as goal setting, interviewing, and professional communication.
Opportunities for mentorship and potential internship or shadowing experiences provide students with meaningful exposure and real-world connections.
Over the course of the year, students will gain greater clarity and confidence in their future direction—discovering not only what they may want to pursue, but also what may not be the right fit, helping guide them toward informed and purposeful decisions.
This course is designed to be taken across two semesters for the full experience.
Business Builders
Business Builders
Business Builders
Grades: 9–12
Duration: 2 hours per week
Fee: $975 per semester
Business Builders is a hands-on entrepreneurship course where students develop, launch, and manage their own business. Through guided instruction and real-world application, students will explore key business concepts including branding, marketing, budgeting, and customer experience while bringing their ideas to life.
Students will have the opportunity to build a business from the ground up—creating a product or service, developing a brand, and establishing a digital presence such as a website or online platform. The course may also introduce foundational steps involved in starting a business, including DBA registration, basic licensing, and an overview of simple business finances.
This course is designed to equip students with practical, real-world skills that are not typically taught in traditional high school settings—building confidence, initiative, and the ability to turn ideas into action. Whether students choose to pursue their business during or after high school, or simply carry these skills into future opportunities, they will leave with a strong foundation in entrepreneurship.
Students will move from idea to execution—gaining the confidence and skills to create, build, and pursue opportunities beyond the classroom.
This course pairs well with Digital Foundations for students who want to expand their skills in website creation, branding, and digital tools.
This course is designed to be taken across two semesters for the full experience.
Digital Foundations
Design Destination: Travel & Life Skills
Digital Foundations
Grades: 9–12
Duration: 2 hours per week
Fee: $800 per semester
Future Pathways is a career-focused course designed to help high school students explore their interests, discover potential career paths, and begin building a vision for their future. Through guided research, presentations, guest speakers from a variety of professional fields, and real-world application, students gain insight into different industries, career options, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Students will have the opportunity to learn from individuals with real-life experience and passion in their field, ask questions, and explore areas of interest more deeply. They will examine education and training requirements, income potential, and day-to-day responsibilities across multiple career pathways, including business ownership, while developing practical skills such as goal setting, interviewing, and professional communication within real-world career contexts.
Opportunities for mentorship and potential internship or shadowing experiences provide students with meaningful exposure and real-world connections.
Over the course of the year, students will gain greater clarity and confidence in their future direction—discovering not only what they may want to pursue, but also what may not be the right fit, helping guide them toward informed and purposeful decisions.
This course is designed to be taken across two semesters for the full experience.
Cafe Collective
Design Destination: Travel & Life Skills
Digital Foundations
Grades: 9–12
Duration: 2 hours per week
Fee: $325 per semester (adjust as desired)
Cafe Collective is a relaxed and inspiring study lounge where high school students come together to work independently, stay accountable, and connect with peers. This dedicated time provides students with a consistent space to focus, complete assignments, and make meaningful academic progress in a structured yet flexible environment.
Designed to foster both productivity and community, students benefit from a supportive atmosphere that encourages independence, time management, and collaboration.
Design Destination: Travel & Life Skills
Design Destination: Travel & Life Skills
Design Destination: Travel & Life Skills
Grades: 9–12
Duration: 2 hours per week
Fee: $950 per semester
Travel costs are separate and will be determined based on trip selection and planning.
Destination Design equips students with real-world life skills through the process of planning and experiencing travel. Students learn how to design detailed itineraries, budget effectively, compare transportation and lodging options, and evaluate activities based on cost and value.
Throughout the semester, students research and plan a complete trip—including destination selection, scheduling, budgeting, and logistics—and present their plans in a professional format. The course culminates in a real-world travel experience, along with opportunities for local outings that reinforce planning and decision-making skills.
Students may also have opportunities to participate in a guided fundraising experience, developing skills in financial literacy, marketing, teamwork, and resourcefulness.
This course is designed to build confidence, independence, and practical life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Highly recommended as a two-semester experience for students who wish to deepen their skills and participate in multiple travel opportunities.
Spray Tanning Grades 9–12
Exploring Careers in Dentistry Grades 9–12
Design Destination: Travel & Life Skills
Format: 6-session intensive program
Duration: 4 hours per session
(24 total hours)
Tuition: $1,600 per semester
All materials included
Turn skill into income while mastering the art, science, and business of professional spray tanning.
This hands-on program is designed for students who want to learn a real, in-demand skill that can generate immediate income. Whether students are interested in building a business with low overhead and high profit potential, or simply want to learn how to create a flawless, year-round glow for themselves and others, this course delivers both.
Blending creativity, technical skill, and entrepreneurship, students gain real-world experience and leave with the confidence, knowledge, and strategy to begin offering services right away.
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal for students who are:
- Interested in the beauty or wellness industry
- Entrepreneurial and motivated to earn their own income
- Creative and enjoy hands-on learning
- Interested in building a flexible business or side income
No prior experience is required.
Instructor Experience
The instructor began her career when spray tanning was an emerging service in Orange County, working alongside one of the first companies in the area and helping pioneer this growing beauty industry.
She went on to build and operate a successful spray tanning business, including owning a brick-and-mortar storefront for three years before transitioning to a home-based and mobile business model.
What Students Will Learn:
Art -Application & Technique
- Spray tanning techniques and body contouring
- Even application, blending, and symmetry
- Correcting and refining results
Science
- Skin tone analysis and color matching
- How tanning solutions interact with the skin
- Ingredient basics and formulation concepts
- Mixing and adjusting solution ratios
Math
- Measuring and mixing solutions
- Setting pricing for proper profit margins
- Cost analysis and revenue tracking
Business, Branding & Marketing
- Creating a brand and business identity
- Understanding competitors and local market positioning
- Pricing strategies for profitability
- Marketing (social media, referrals, client retention)
- Booking systems and client communication
- Building and growing a client base
Hands-On Intensive Experience
Students participate in extended, hands-on training sessions designed for real skill development, including:
- Technique practice on mannequins or appropriate models
- Equipment setup and breakdown
- Real-world application scenarios
- Confidence-building through repetition and feedback
Future Pathways & Real-World Opportunity
This course is ideal for students interested in entrepreneurship, beauty services, or building a flexible income stream. Students will leave with the knowledge and confidence to begin offering spray tanning services independently.
Charter School Alignment
This course aligns with key California State Standards that support high school learning in Career Technical Education (CTE), business, and entrepreneurship through hands-on, real-world application.
Optional worksheets and structured work samples are available upon request to support charter documentation and submission requirements.
Highly recommended as a two-semester experience for students who wish to deepen their skills and participate in multiple travel opportunities.
Advanced Spray Tanning Grades 9-12
Exploring Careers in Dentistry Grades 9–12
Exploring Careers in Dentistry Grades 9–12
Prerequisite:
Completion of Glow Business Lab Level 1
Format: 4-session intensive workshop
Duration: 4 hours per session
Tuition: $1,600 per semester
All materials included
An advanced, hands-on workshop designed for students ready to refine their technique, increase confidence, and grow a real spray tanning business. This course builds on foundational skills and focuses on precision application, efficiency, client experience, and scaling income.
Students will move from beginner-level understanding to a more professional level of execution and business ownership.
Advanced Technique & Mastery
Students will deepen their skills in:
- Advanced blending and contouring techniques
- Custom color mixing and advanced skin tone matching
- Correcting uneven results and troubleshooting challenges
- Speed, efficiency, and consistency in application
- Working with different body types and client needs
Real Client Experience
Students may have opportunities to:
- Work with real clients in a guided setting (when appropriate)
- Practice full-service sessions from start to finish
- Build confidence in real-world interactions
Business Growth & Scaling
Students will focus on taking their business to the next level, including:
- Increasing pricing and maximizing profit margins
- Creating premium service packages
- Building repeat clients and referrals
- Advanced marketing strategies and branding refinement
- Expanding services (events, mobile tanning, niche markets like athletes or performers)
Income Expansion & Strategy
Students will be guided on how to:
- Consistently generate income
- Set financial goals and track growth
- Reinvest in their business
- Identify new opportunities for expansion
Mentorship & Continued Development
Students receive continued mentorship and guidance as they grow their confidence, refine their skills, and develop their business.
Why Take Level 2
This course is ideal for students who:
- Want to improve their technique and confidence
- Are actively building or ready to grow a client base
- Want to increase income and professionalism
- Are interested in long-term business development
Charter School Alignment
This course continues to align with Career Technical Education (CTE), Math, and Science through advanced real-world application.
Optional worksheets and structured work samples are available upon request.
Highly recommended as a two-semester experience for students who wish to deepen their skills and participate in multiple travel opportunities.
Exploring Careers in Dentistry Grades 9–12
Exploring Careers in Dentistry Grades 9–12
Exploring Careers in Dentistry Grades 9–12
Format: 1 day per week
Duration: 2 hours
(32 total hours per semester)
Tuition: $1,500 per semester
All materials included
Explore a rewarding and in-demand career field while gaining real-world insight into the dental profession. This hands-on course is designed for students interested in dentistry, healthcare, or working with people in a professional setting.
Students will be introduced to the foundational skills, tools, and knowledge used in dental practices, while also gaining exposure to real career pathways within the industry. From clinical concepts to patient care and professional expectations, this course provides a unique opportunity to explore the dental field in a meaningful and practical way.
Instructor Experience
Taught by a licensed dental professional who began her journey in the dental field during high school through an internship, then advanced to working as a dental assistant, becoming a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), and ultimately a dental hygienist.
With years of hands-on clinical experience, the instructor brings real-world knowledge and mentorship to students, helping them understand both the technical and professional aspects of working in the dental field.
What Students Will Learn:
🦷 Foundations of Dentistry
- Introduction to dental terminology and anatomy
- Understanding teeth, gums, and oral health
- Overview of common dental procedures
Tools & Techniques
- Identification and use of dental instruments
- Basic assisting techniques and chairside support
- Infection control and sterilization practices
Patient Care & Professional Skills
- Communication and patient interaction
- Professionalism in a clinical setting
- Understanding the role of the dental team
Career Exploration & Pathways
- Dental assistant, hygienist, and dentist career tracks
- Education and certification pathways
- What to expect in real dental offices
Hands-On & Real-World Experience
Students will engage in interactive, hands-on activities and may have opportunities to:
- Practice basic techniques and instrument handling
- Observe or participate in simulated dental scenarios
- Explore real-world applications of dental skills
Students may also be encouraged to pursue internship opportunities at local dental offices, with guidance on how to connect, communicate, and present themselves professionally.
Why This Course Matters
This course provides students with early exposure to a stable, high-demand career field while building confidence, professionalism, and real-world skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Charter School Alignment
This course aligns with key California State Standards in Career Technical Education (CTE), Science, and Health through real-world application and career exploration.
Optional worksheets and structured work samples are available upon request to support charter documentation and submission requirements.
Highly recommended as a two-semester experience for students who wish to deepen their skills and participate in multiple travel opportunities.
Catalina Island Science Camp
