Bal Gokul of Prince William County

Haymarket, Virginia

Nurturing Young Minds Through Hindu Dharma & Culture

Welcome to Bal Gokul of Prince William County, where children of Kindergarten through Grade 12 learn about Hindu traditions, values, and culture in a warm, educational environment.

Join our Sunday classes and become part of our growing community.

Now Enrolling for Classes!

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Why Choose Bal Gokul?

Comprehensive Learning

From Hindu philosophy to yoga, from ancient epics to modern applications - we provide a well-rounded cultural education that builds character and confidence.

Community Building

Connect with like-minded families and build lasting friendships while your children learn together in a supportive, nurturing environment.

Convenient Schedule

Sunday classes from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Alvey Elementary School - perfect for busy families who want to prioritize cultural education.

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About Bal Gokul

Our Mission

Bal Gokul is dedicated to providing comprehensive Hindu cultural education to children in Prince William County. We create a nurturing environment where young minds can explore their heritage, develop strong moral values, and build lasting friendships within our community.

What We Offer
  • Hindu Dharma teachings and philosophy
  • Yoga and mindfulness practices
  • Epic stories from Ramayana & Mahabharata
  • Sanskrit chants and mantras
  • Traditional arts and crafts
  • Festival celebrations and cultural events
Age Groups

We welcome children from KG to Grade 12 and organize age-appropriate activities and lessons. Our experienced teachers adapt the curriculum to ensure every child can participate and learn at their own pace.

Our Approach

We blend traditional teachings with modern educational methods, making learning interactive, fun, and meaningful. Every lesson is designed to be age-appropriate while maintaining the depth and richness of Hindu culture.

Class Schedule & Location

πŸ“… When

Every Sunday
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

πŸ“ Where

Alvey Elementary School
5300 Waverly Farm Dr
Haymarket, VA 20169

πŸ‘₯ Who

Children in Grades K-12
All families welcome

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Registration

How to Register

Registration for new students is open year-round. We welcome families at any time during the school year and will help your child integrate smoothly into our program.

  • Contact us via email or phone
  • Visit us on any Sunday to observe a class
  • Complete registration form and fee payment
Registration QR Code

Scan to register

πŸ“„ Register Your Child Today!

What to Expect

Your child will join a warm, inclusive community where learning about Hindu culture is both educational and enjoyable.

  • Age-appropriate curriculum
  • Small class sizes for personalized attention
  • Regular parent communication
  • Participation in special events and festivals
Registration Fee

Our affordable registration fee covers all class materials, activity supplies, and special event participation.

  • Annual registration fee applies ($250)
  • Family discounts may be available. Enquire!
  • No hidden costs - everything included
Getting Started

Ready to join our community? We make the registration process simple and welcoming.

  • Attend our orientation event on Sept 21
  • Visit during regular Sunday classes
  • Call or email us with questions
  • Start any Sunday throughout the year
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New for 2025

History of Hinduism - 2025-26 Theme

This year, "History of Hinduism" is the overarching theme for all our classes. Students will journey through time to discover the rich historical foundations of Hindu traditions and learn about the remarkable figures who shaped our heritage.

What Students Will Explore:
  • Historical Timeline: From ancient Vedic civilization to modern Hindu renaissance
  • Influential Figures: Saints, scholars, reformers, and leaders who preserved and enriched Hindu traditions
  • Cultural Evolution: How Hindu practices, philosophy, and arts developed over millennia
  • Living Legacy: Connecting historical events to present-day Hindu practices and values
Age-Appropriate Learning:

Elementary (K-5): Story-based learning about heroic figures and simple historical timelines

Middle School (6-8): Deeper exploration of historical periods and biographical studies of key personalities

High School (9-12): Critical analysis of historical impact and scholarly discussions about Hindu civilization's contributions

Featured Historical Figures:

Throughout the year, students will learn about influential personalities including ancient sages like Valmiki and Vyasa, medieval saints like Mirabai and Tulsidas, modern reformers like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, and many others who contributed to Hindu thought and practice.

This thematic approach will help students understand that Hinduism is not just a collection of beliefs and practices, but a living tradition with a rich, dynamic history that continues to evolve and inspire people worldwide.

Our Curriculum

Hindu Dharma & Philosophy

Age-appropriate teachings of Hindu values, ethics, and philosophical concepts that help children develop strong moral foundations and spiritual awareness.

Key Topics:
  • Dharma and righteous living
  • Karma and consequences
  • Ahimsa (non-violence)
  • Four Purusharthas (life goals)
  • Respect for all living beings
Learning Outcomes:

Students develop ethical decision-making skills, cultural pride, and understanding of universal values.

Yoga & Mindfulness

Physical yoga practices, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques that promote mental clarity, physical wellness, and emotional balance.

Activities Include:
  • Basic yoga asanas (poses)
  • Pranayama (breathing exercises)
  • Guided meditation sessions
  • Mindfulness games
  • Relaxation techniques
Benefits:

Improved focus, stress management, physical flexibility, and emotional regulation skills.

Hindu Epics & Stories

Engaging storytelling sessions featuring tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas that teach valuable life lessons through captivating narratives.

Story Collections:
  • Ramayana adventures
  • Mahabharata wisdom
  • Krishna's childhood stories
  • Panchatantra moral tales
  • Stories of great devotees
Interactive Elements:

Role-playing, storytelling competitions, and moral discussions help children internalize lessons.

Chants & Mantras

Learning sacred Sanskrit prayers, mantras, and devotional songs that connect children to their spiritual heritage and improve concentration.

What Students Learn:
  • Gayatri Mantra
  • Hanuman Chalisa
  • Simple Sanskrit prayers
  • Bhajans and kirtans
  • Festival-specific chants
Skills Developed:

Sanskrit pronunciation, memory enhancement, musical appreciation, and spiritual connection.

Arts & Crafts

Creative projects including rangoli, painting, sculpture, and traditional crafts that celebrate Hindu festivals and cultural themes.

Creative Projects:
  • Rangoli patterns and designs
  • Deity paintings and drawings
  • Clay modeling (ganesha, diyas)
  • Festival decorations
  • Mandala art and kolam
Skills Built:

Fine motor skills, creativity, cultural appreciation, and artistic expression.

Festival Celebrations

Hands-on learning about major Hindu festivals including their significance, traditions, rituals, and cultural importance in modern life.

Festivals Covered:
  • Diwali - Festival of Lights
  • Holi - Festival of Colors
  • Ganesh Chaturthi
  • Navratri and Durga Puja
  • Janmashtami (Krishna's birthday)
Celebration Activities:

Traditional cooking, decorating, cultural performances, and understanding the spiritual significance.

Grade-Level Learning

Elementary (Grades 1-5)

Foundation building through stories, songs, basic yoga poses, and simple crafts. Focus on developing love for Hindu culture through fun activities.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Deeper exploration of Hindu philosophy, more complex stories and their meanings, advanced yoga practices, and leadership opportunities.

High School (Grades 9-12)

Scholarly discussions of Hindu texts, mentoring younger students, organizing events, and connecting ancient wisdom to modern life challenges.

Prior Year Themes (2012 to 2025)

Deities & Symbols

Learning the significance of Hindu Gods, Goddesses, and their sacred symbols.

Epic Stories from Ramayana & Mahabharata

Exploring timeless lessons through Hinduism's great epics.

The Origins of Hindu Civilization, Parables

Understanding Hindu history and moral wisdom from ancient tales - through the Panchatantra & Jataka Kathas.

The Essence of Mahabharat, Luv Kush and Bhagavad Gita

Discovering values of duty, devotion, and righteousness.

Mahabharata, Dashavatars

Delving into epic battles and the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Samskaras and Rituals, Purusarthas, Streams of Hindu Philosophy

Learning life’s stages, goals, and paths to spiritual growth.

Character Building, Hanuman and Bhagavad Gita

Developing inner strength through devotion and wisdom.

Hindu Concepts, Truths and Values

Exploring the foundations of Hindu thought and ethics.

Hindu Temples, Swami Vivekananda, Yamas/Niyamas

Discovering sacred spaces, spiritual leaders, and yogic principles.

Bhagavat Purana, Ramayana (skit)

Experiencing devotion and dharma through stories and drama.

Family, Culture, and Traditions/Festivals (skit on Krishna)

Celebrating heritage, togetherness, and joy of festivals.

Hindu Symbols,

Connecting culture, knowledge, and self-discovery through Language, Music, Science, Geography, Mahabharat, Nirvana Shatkam (Skit on Karna).

Hanuman Stories (Soundarya Lahiri)

Learning courage, devotion, and beauty of divine expression (Skit on Hanuman)

🎊🎭πŸŽͺ

Upcoming Special Event

Annual Events

Diwali Celebration - Nov 1, 2025

Our biggest celebration of the year! Join us for a spectacular Diwali event featuring traditional performances, delicious food, rangoli competitions, and community bonding. Children showcase their talents through dance, music, and storytelling.

  • Cultural performances by students
  • Traditional Indian dinner
  • Rangoli and craft competitions
  • Community prayer and lighting ceremony
  • Diwali Fireworks

This event is open to Gainesville/Haymarket area Families (with nominal fees).

End of Year Event - May 17, 2026

Celebrate the culmination of our academic year with presentations by students, recognition ceremonies, and a showcase of projects completed throughout the year. Parents and families are invited to see what their children have accomplished.

  • Student project presentations
  • Award ceremonies
  • Performance showcases
  • Family appreciation dinner
  • Games & fun activities
Annual Summer Picnic - June 2026

Our beloved summer tradition brings the entire Bal Gokul community together for outdoor fun, games, food, and fellowship. A perfect opportunity for families to connect and children to play together outside the classroom setting.

  • Outdoor games and sports
  • Potluck picnic lunch
  • Family bonding activities
  • Nature appreciation walks

New Families are welcome to join the fun!

πŸ“…πŸ—“οΈβ°

Academic Calendar 2025 - Class Begins October 5

Regular Classes: Every Sunday, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM at Alvey Elementary School

Bal Gokul follows PWCS Calendar for Holidays - PWCS Calendar

πŸ“… September 2025
  • September 21 - Bal Gokul Orientation & Family Picnic at Silver Lake Park (2-5 PM)
  • Academic Year 2025-2026 Rgistration continues
πŸͺ” October 2025
  • October 5 - First Day of Class
  • Regular Class - October 12, 19, 26
  • Diwali event preparation begins
🧨 November 2025
  • November 1 - Grand Diwali Party!
  • November 2 - Daylight Savings Ends! (No Class)
  • Regular Classes - November 9, 16, 23
  • Thanksgiving week - No Class on November 30
❄️ December 2025
  • Regular Classes - December 7, 14
  • December 21 to January 5 - Winter break - No classes
✨ January 2026
  • January 11 - First Class after Spring Break
  • January 18 - MLK Holiday Weekend - No Class
  • Regular Class - January 25
πŸ•‰οΈ February 2026
  • Regular Classes - February 1, 8, 22
  • February 15 - Presidents Day Holiday Weekend - No Class
🌈 March 2026
  • Regular Classes - March 1, 8, 15, 22
  • March 8 - Daylight Savings begin
  • March 29 - Spring Break - No Class
🏹 April 2026
  • April 5 - Spring Break - No Class
  • Regular Classes - April 12, 19, 26
πŸŽ“ May 2026
  • Regular Classes - May 3, 10
  • May 17 - Last Day Event
β˜€οΈ June 2026
  • Date TBD - Annual summer picnic
  • Summer activities planning
  • June 12 - Last Day of PWCS School Year
πŸ–οΈ July-August 2026
  • Summer break - Regular classes resume in September/October
  • Optional summer reading and activities
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Projects & Services

Student Projects

Throughout the year, students work on meaningful projects that deepen their understanding of Hindu culture and traditions.

  • Family heritage presentations
  • Temple architecture models
  • Sanskrit calligraphy projects
  • Festival research presentations
  • Community service initiatives
Community Services

Bal Gokul extends beyond the classroom to serve our broader community through various outreach programs and charitable activities.

  • Food drives for local shelters
  • Environmental awareness campaigns
  • Elder care facility visits
  • Cultural education for public schools
  • Interfaith community dialogue participation
Parent Resources

We support parents in continuing Hindu cultural education at home with resources and guidance.

  • Home practice guides
  • Family activity suggestions
  • Recommended reading lists
  • Festival celebration guides
  • Parent education workshops
Cultural Programs

Special programs that showcase and preserve Hindu cultural traditions for the broader community.

  • Classical Indian dance workshops
  • Music and singing classes
  • Drama and storytelling performances
  • Art exhibitions and craft fairs
  • Guest speaker series

Student Showcase

Annual Achievements

Our students consistently excel in various competitions and showcases throughout the year.

  • Sanskrit recitation competitions
  • Traditional art and craft exhibitions
  • Cultural knowledge quiz bowls
  • Community service recognition
Learning Outcomes

By the end of each academic year, students demonstrate measurable progress in cultural knowledge and personal growth.

  • Improved knowledge of Hindu traditions
  • Enhanced cultural identity and pride
  • Better focus and mindfulness skills
  • Stronger community connections
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Contact Us

πŸ“§
Email

balgokulofpwc@gmail.com

We respond to all enquiries

πŸ“
Location

Alvey Elementary School

5300 Waverly Farm Dr, Haymarket, VA 20169
Sundays 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Volunteer Opportunities

We are always looking for volunteers to help us at Bal Gokul. Please get in touch!

Teaching Assistants

Help our experienced teachers with classroom activities, student supervision, and learning support.

Event Planning

Join our event planning committee to organize festivals, picnics, and special celebrations.

Arts & Crafts Coordinators

Lead creative projects and help students express their cultural learning through art.

Technology Support

Assist with audio-visual equipment, website maintenance, and digital communication.

Projects & Services

Plan, Organize and Execute Special Projects & Services with teens.

Administrative Support

Help with registration, attendance, communication, and general administrative tasks.

Visit Us

Come See Us in Action

We welcome prospective families to visit us during our regular Sunday classes. You can observe our teaching methods, meet our teachers and current families, and see firsthand how we create a nurturing learning environment for children.

  • No appointment necessary - just drop in on any Sunday
  • Classes run from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
  • Arrive a few minutes early to meet with our coordinators
  • Special orientation session available on September 21st
πŸ”’πŸ“‹πŸ“„

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: September 8, 2025

Bal Gokul of Prince William County is committed to protecting your privacy and the privacy of your children. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you participate in our programs.

Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to provide our educational services:

  • Student Information: Child's name, age, grade level, and any special needs or considerations
  • Parent/Guardian Information: Names, contact information (phone, email, address)
  • Emergency Contacts: Information for emergency situations during class time
  • Medical Information: Only allergies or medical conditions that could affect participation
  • Photography/Video: Images taken during events and activities (with consent)
How We Use Information

Your information is used solely for program administration:

  • Class Management: Organizing students by age groups and tracking attendance
  • Communication: Sending program updates, event notifications, and emergency communications
  • Safety: Ensuring we can contact parents/guardians when needed
  • Event Planning: Organizing special events and activities
  • Program Improvement: Understanding our community's needs and preferences
Information Protection

We take data security seriously:

  • Limited Access: Only authorized volunteers and coordinators have access to personal information
  • Secure Storage: Physical and digital records are stored securely
  • No Selling: We never sell, rent, or share your information with third parties
  • Volunteer Training: All volunteers are trained on privacy and confidentiality
  • Data Retention: Information is kept only as long as necessary for program purposes
Photography & Media

We respect your family's privacy regarding photos and videos:

  • Consent Required: We obtain written consent before taking photos/videos of children
  • Social Media: Photos may be shared on our social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook) with permission
  • Opt-Out Option: You can opt out of photography at any time
  • No Tagging: We do not tag individuals in social media posts
  • Educational Use: Photos may be used for program promotion and documentation
Information Sharing

We maintain strict confidentiality:

  • Internal Use Only: Information is shared only among authorized Bal Gokul staff and volunteers
  • Emergency Situations: Medical or emergency information may be shared with emergency responders if needed
  • No Third Parties: We do not share information with outside organizations without explicit consent
  • Anonymized Data: Statistical information may be shared in aggregate form without identifying individuals
Your Rights

You have control over your family's information:

  • Access: You can request to see what information we have about your family
  • Correction: You can request corrections to any inaccurate information
  • Deletion: You can request deletion of your information when leaving the program
  • Withdrawal: You can withdraw consent for photography/communication at any time
  • Questions: You can contact us with any privacy-related questions or concerns
Contact Us About Privacy

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:

Email: balgokulofpwc@gmail.com

Phone: (571) 445-0688

In Person: Speak with any coordinator during Sunday classes

Our Commitment

πŸ” Security

We use appropriate safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.

🎯 Purpose

We collect and use information only for legitimate educational and administrative purposes related to Bal Gokul programs.

🀝 Transparency

We are committed to being transparent about our data practices and responsive to your privacy concerns.

Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will:

  • Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
  • Notify families via email if changes materially affect how we use personal information
  • Post the updated policy on our website and social media
  • Provide notice during Sunday classes when significant changes are made

By continuing to participate in Bal Gokul programs after policy updates, you acknowledge and accept the revised terms.