Our Story
Where it all began
Message from Our Founder
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I didn’t attend the best schools. My high school was often listed as persistently dangerous. Some days, we had no heat, no textbooks, and rotating substitutes instead of consistent teachers. But those experiences—and the few incredible teachers I was lucky to have—shaped the kind of educator I wanted to become.
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Truthfully, I didn’t always want to be a teacher. I didn’t even like school that much—except for Spanish and music. What made a real difference for me were after-school clubs and summer camps. That’s where I felt seen. That’s where I felt creative. That’s where I felt like I belonged.
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One summer, I tutored a student, and everything changed. She lit up when we read My Daddy is a Pretzel and acted out the yoga poses together. That moment sparked my interest in movement-based learning.
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Our Mission, Vision, Values
Our mission is to offer programs that encourage healthy habits and a physically active lifestyle.
We envision healthy families, healthy children, healthy schools, healthy communities in a healthy world.
Our Core Values Shape Everything We Do
We are committed to fully integrating our values into every part of our work, creating a model system that helps children, families, and educators lead healthier lives.
Making Family Engagement Equitable
We know every family is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all way to empower families. Life doesn’t look the same for everyone, so we never judge or expect families to fit into a mold. Instead, we focus on what each family brings to the table and celebrate their strengths.
We believe families are our biggest partners in helping children learn and grow. That’s why we keep communication simple, clear, and two-way. Families can easily share what’s going on at home, and we make sure they know what’s happening at our center too. We’re flexible—what works one day may not work the next—and we’re proud to grow, adapt, and stand alongside our families every step of the way.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Children have shown us time and time again—they want more than to sit at a desk all day. And we understand why. Think about the energy when the school bell rings or when kids race outside for recess—that excitement and sense of freedom is exactly what learning should feel like, too.
Research tells us that kids are more likely to learn more when they move and play more! That’s why we take learning beyond the four walls of the classroom with nature-based activities, field trips, and enrichment experiences that bring lessons to life.
When learning connects to real-life, kids are more engaged, confident, and activated. Education should affirm and inspire children, not hold them still.
Whole Child,
Whole Life
"Whole Child, Whole Life" means we focus on all aspects of a child’s development, including physical literacy — at home, through play, in nature, and through relationships. That’s why we keep our class sizes small, so each child gets the personalized attention they need to grow in every area of life.
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We encourage kids to stay active, build confidence in their movements, and develop skills that promote healthy living. By supporting physical literacy, we help children feel strong, capable, and ready to take on the world. Our lessons are hands-on and connected to real-life experiences, helping children grow in their minds, bodies, and hearts—now and in the future.
Supporting Schools & Teacher Education
We know teaching takes heart, skill, and support. It’s part talent, part training, and a whole lot of passion. We support schools and educators through high-quality professional development, in-service workshops, and personalized classroom coaching.
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New educators receive mentorship that builds confidence and instructional skill, while developing program leaders receive consulting focused on sustainable operations and effective team management. We offer a catalog of professional development topics to meet educators at every level and we’re happy to create custom support based on what your team really needs.
Caring for our Community
We help families find local resources like food, housing, and health services, and we’ve built strong partnerships with community organizations to make sure support is always within reach. We also stay connected with nearby schools—introducing ourselves to principals, attending school events, and showing up to cheer on our students during performances and special moments.
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We’re always looking for ways to stay involved and give back—because we want to see everyone win!
Creating Time
to Play with Purpose
We make sure every day includes time for meaningful, purposeful play. This can look different depending on the moment. Some activities are calm and quiet, others are loud and busy. Some are structured by teachers, and others are completely created by the children using their own ideas. Play can be organized or messy—it all depends on the flow of the day and how the children feel.
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We balance child-led play with teacher-guided experiences and make sure our materials match what the children are interested in. When kids feel excited, safe, and supported, real learning happens. Our teachers act as play partners and guides, helping children explore, create, and grow in a space designed just for them.
A typical day after school
After school, students arrive by van and are greeted by our friendly teachers. They start by washing their hands and settling in with a packed snack from home. Once they’ve had a moment to relax, it’s time to begin homework. Some students choose to sit at the small group table for one-on-one help with a teacher, while others prefer to work independently on the rug while listening to music. When they finish, a teacher reviews their work, checking for any missed problems or needed corrections. After homework is complete, students can practice skills on Khan Academy, read a book, or enjoy some playtime and socializing with friends. The routine is consistent, supportive, and engaging—so every child feels successful. Summer Camp has a full day schedule!
