This page will be continually updated as new questions are asked from the community. If you have a question that is not answered here, please reach out to us on Facebook or email audrey@copperlearningacademy.com. 

At this time, no we are not adding a preschool program. We may add preschool-aged activity days or family days in the future, so be on the lookout for that.

If you are looking for an outdoor-based preschool program, we happily direct you to Emily McCall’s preschool program at Natural Learners Preschool. We recommend getting on the waitlist early, perhaps as much as a year in advance, because her fantastic program fills up quickly! It is where I sent my daughter and a large part of what inspired me to want more of that for her. 

Entrance into our program is to be five years old before the start of the annual school program on September 1st. At this point, we are willing to review young fives for early entry on a case-by-case basis. 

At the point, no, but we may consider this in the future.

During the annual enrollment season of future years, siblings of current students will have preference over new applicants. 

Absolutely! The overall goal of Copper Learning Academy is to make the entire family feel welcome. You are more than welcome to make it a family day when you are volunteering. If we are leaving the school site for a field trip and there is an entry fee, you will be responsible for your other child’s entry fee. 

When the class lists are filled each fall, we will schedule our annual parent meeting to discuss goals and make sure that each parent feels heard. Curriculum will be designed by the teaching staff, but we definitely want your input. We know you want the best for your children and we want you involved in our fantastic outdoor community! 

If a family moves away, we will be happy to provide transfer documentation for the next school. Please submit a written request by email to Audrey Tipper at audrey@copperlearningacademy.com.

The long term plan is to expand the school into high school programing as we grow. Until that time, you will receive transfer documentation as you transition into whatever school setting you choose for your family. 

Feel free to send your child in play clothes! Learning is messy business and we will be encouraging students to jump in mud puddles, to paint with gusto, and to truly  experience what nature has to offer all of us. We are confident that your child will go home splattered in dirt or paint more than once. 

For the current school ages, we will direct parents to the various community programs in our area. 

As the program expands to the higher grades, my hope is to develop a relationship with the local public school system. I believe non-public school students are able to participate in programs like sports, theater, or band with their local district of residence.

From what I understand, the decision to allow that is up to each individual public school. If for some reason, our local district is not interested in allowing that, the next step would be to contact the local homeschool association for participation in their team sports, or search out other community or traveling team programs. 

We do not have any grants or scholarships at this time, but it is in the future plan of the program. Currently, tuition may be paid annually, semi-annually, or monthly. 

Temperature is a tough question to answer because sometimes windy weather at warmer temperatures is worse to be out in than lower temperatures on a calm, sunny day. The goal is to be outside daily, so that means we will be out in the cold and the rain, as long as it is safe to do so. We will absolutely not be out in frigid temperatures or lighting storms. The MOST important thing is the children’s safety.