Carolina Kids Co-Op is a hybrid academic program, but it's so much more than that. It's a community where kids receive all their core academics in an outdoor environment, alongside classes and programming for the whole family. We offer everything students would get in traditional school, plus community events, parenting classes, fitness programs for adults, field trips, spelling bees, science fairs, and classes based on what kids are genuinely interested in. It's a full community where we take a holistic look at each child and work to meet both their academic and emotional needs.

CKC takes a holistic view of students, meaning we're just as interested in their emotional growth and social development as we are in their academic progress. While we provide rigorous core academics (math, social studies, science, language arts), we're also deeply concerned with family dynamics, individual struggles and strengths, and personal goals. If a child wants to be a veterinarian, we'll work to get them internships and real-world experiences. We don't just teach subjects, we build confident, resilient humans. It feels much more like a family than a school.

Our philosophy is to take a holistic view of students while prioritizing academics. Yes, academics are crucial, and we want every graduate ready for whatever they choose next in life. But we also recognize what's lacking in other education options: attention to what's happening at home, in students' heads, and in their emotional lives. We involve students in their education by developing classes around their interests (like Pokemon, Japanese folklore, or Taylor Swift lyrics). We also include the whole family through community events, parenting classes, and fitness programs so we're all in partnership giving kids the best experience possible.

Our kids are happy and resilient. They're genuinely upset when they wake up on Saturday and realize it's the weekend. The staff has fun, the kids have fun, and students are excited to come early and keep going with what they started the day before. All of this fun translates to deep learning. We tailor curriculum to meet students rather than forcing engagement in material that has nothing to do with them. For example, instead of asking fourth graders to write about Renaissance art, we let them write about Minecraft, Pokemon, or Taylor Swift, because the goal is to get them writing, not to bore them. Most importantly, our community doesn't allow bullying or mistreatment. Teachers are best friends who spend time together outside of school, and kids know they're genuinely loved and cared about. They want to make us proud, which creates a beautiful community where everyone feels respected. We combine rigorous academics and structure with genuine care and support. CKC provides friends for both kids and parents, plus all the experiences like science fairs, spelling bees, and spring formals you'd find in traditional school.

If you don't like fresh air, sunlight, or seeing kids run around being kids and getting dirty, we might not be the right fit. If you're allergic to grass or bugs, or if you prefer isolation at home over community events and close friendships, CKC probably isn't for you. But remember, between all that outdoor play is genuine rigorous academics. And yes, there are bugs, we're outdoors. But we're also teaching resilience, that sometimes it's a little cold or hot, sometimes there's a bug on your notebook, and you learn to deal with it with your best friends supporting you. We even have classes on conquering fear and anxiety management.

We started CKC during COVID when everything indoors was shut down and kids were struggling socially and academically. The outdoor model began as a necessity, but what we discovered was that even when COVID ended, we didn't want to go inside. Kids do better in fresh air and sunshine. They do better when they're running around. There's absolutely no reason we need to teach math, social studies, and history indoors. Everybody is happier outside. Science backs this up, numerous studies show that being outdoors in sunshine and fresh air, with time for exercise between academics, helps kids excel academically, emotionally, and socially. Historically, outdoor education isn't new, it's actually very modern to keep kids inside buildings for eight-plus hours a day. Schools were traditionally held outdoors or with significant outdoor time. Being outside is simply healthier and better for how kids grow up.

Teaching outside is easier than you'd think. Our outdoor pavilions, picnic tables, or wherever we are that day become our classrooms. It looks just like a regular classroom, except we're in sunshine and fresh air, and kids are probably moving around more and smiling more. We do all core academics outside.

Each location has different options. All CKC locations can go virtual using our online platform, which allows kids to meet with their regular class and teacher at the same time as they would in person. Many locations also have arrangements for indoor space during inclement weather.

A typical day starts with fun, laughter, and a big family meeting where teachers, parents, and kids spend 10-15 minutes discussing what's ahead. We then break into classes (typically four or five per day, depending on location). Between every class is a 10-minute break where students are outdoors running around, playing, and getting a true break. We have a long lunch and recess period (about an hour) where students decompress and hang out. Most locations end at 3pm. We ring a bell between periods just like traditional school. It looks and feels like school but with more engagement, excitement, smiles, and laughter. It's hard to put into words until you visit, but it feels like a big family reunion.

We use frequent low-stakes assessments. Yes, we give quizzes, tests, and assign papers, but the true determination comes from daily, low-stakes interaction.

Carolina Kids Co-Op has over a dozen locations across several states. Each location is run independently by its own director and team.

Please reach out to us. We'd love to help get one started in your community. You don't need a teaching certificate, you might be the entrepreneurial person who hires the teachers. From start to finish, it usually takes two to three months from your first call to opening day. We handle the back-end work (enrollment, curriculum) and enable you to use your creativity to create the program your community needs. It's quick and inexpensive for us to support you or someone you know.