Our office will be closed for the holidays for processing purchase orders from December 17- January 5th.  All new requests will be processed starting January 6th.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Welcome to the Mud Hen Clay Academy

A year‑long ceramics program where homeschool and school‑age students learn, create, and grow.

Our hands‑on clay curriculum blends creativity with skill‑building. Students explore handbuilding, pottery wheel techniques, and surface design while developing confidence, craftsmanship, and problem‑solving abilities. Each month introduces new projects and techniques, giving students a rich and engaging ceramics experience all year long.

Enrollment options include monthly, multi‑month, and semester registration. Charter school families are welcome with prior authorization.

Curriculum Overview

Our progressive curriculum introduces new techniques each month while reinforcing foundational skills. Students grow in confidence, creativity, and craftsmanship as they explore handbuilding, wheel throwing, and surface design.

Handbuilding

  • Pinch Pot Construction
  • Slab Building
  • Coil Building
  • Sculptural Techniques
  • Lidded Forms
  • Functional Pottery

Pottery Wheel

  • Centering Clay
  • Opening & Pulling Walls
  • Bowls
  • Mugs
  • Vases
  • Trimming & Finishing

Surface Design

  • Texture
  • Carving
  • Relief
  • Decorative Techniques
  • Underglaze Application
  • Glazing

Artistic Growth

Students develop:

  • Creative problem solving
  • Three‑dimensional design
  • Fine motor skills
  • Planning and craftsmanship
  • Confidence through artistic expression

Projects evolve throughout the year to reflect the seasons, student progress, and instructional goals. Returning students enjoy new creative experiences while continuing to strengthen their ceramic foundations.

Curriculum and projects may be adjusted based on class progress, kiln scheduling, and material availability.

2026–2027 Homeschool & School‑Year Clay Program

We’re excited to welcome students for another year of creativity, learning, and hands‑on ceramics.

Class Information

  • Classes meet once per week.
  • Each class is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Students remain in the same weekly class unless a schedule change is requested.
  • Multiple ceramic projects are completed each month, allowing students to practice and build skills throughout the school year.

Annual Registration Fee

A $20 non‑refundable annual registration fee is required for each student.

The registration fee:

  • Reserves your student’s spot in their preferred weekly class.
  • Includes a special Fall Welcome Gift presented at the first class of the school year.

Enrollment Options

Choose the option that best fits your family’s schedule:

One Month

Reserve a weekly class for one month.

Multiple Months

Reserve a weekly class for the specific months you’d like to attend. Please indicate your requested months when registering.

Semester Enrollment

Reserve your student’s weekly class for the entire semester. Semester enrollment guarantees your student’s space and continues to be billed monthly.

Charter School Families

Students attending through a charter school must have all certificates, purchase orders, or required funding documents submitted before their first class. We are unable to reserve a student’s space without the required authorization.

Schedule Changes & Cancellations

  • Schedule changes or cancellations must be requested at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled class.
  • Changes are subject to class availability.
  • Requests received with less than 24 hours’ notice are not eligible for a refund or class credit.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Please complete your enrollment by submitting the $20 annual registration fee HERE.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Common Homeschooling Questions

What ages can participate?
expand_more
Our homeschool and school‑year clay program is designed for school‑age students. Classes include mixed‑age instruction with projects tailored to each student’s skill level.
Do students need prior clay experience?
expand_more
No. Beginners are welcome, and returning students continue building skills through progressively challenging projects.
How often do classes meet?
expand_more
Classes meet once per week for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Can we switch class times?
expand_more
Yes. Schedule changes may be requested with at least 24 hours’ notice and are subject to availability.
What happens if we miss a class?
expand_more
Absences with less than 24 hours’ notice are not eligible for refunds or credits. With advance notice, we will do our best to accommodate a schedule change.
How many projects will my child complete?
expand_more
Students complete multiple projects each month. Projects vary by season, skill level, and curriculum focus.
Do you offer semester enrollment?
expand_more
Do you offer semester enrollment?
Is there a registration fee?
expand_more
Yes. A $20 non‑refundable annual registration fee reserves your student’s spot and includes a Fall Welcome Gift.  This is not part of the charter funds and credit will not be issued.
Do you accept charter school funding?
expand_more
Yes. All certificates, purchase orders, or required documents must be submitted before your student’s first class. We cannot hold a space without authorization.
Will my child use the pottery wheel?
expand_more
Yes. Students learn both handbuilding and wheel‑throwing techniques throughout the year.
Is the curriculum the same every year?
expand_more
No. Projects and techniques rotate annually so returning students continue to grow and explore new creative challenges.

What people are saying

Proud Members of

130 West 3rd Street
Tustin, California 92780