About Our Program

Together with other families, we are crafting a unique program for our children. Here's what you can expect:

• Montessori Inspired - Our homeschool cooperative embraces Montessori principles, creating an environment where children flourish through personalized learning, hands-on exploration, and nurturing independence. Our Montessori-inspired classroom is designed to foster self-directed learning. Within this space, children can freely engage with a variety of learning tools and materials that match their growth stage. Our approach encourages hands-on exploration and empowers children to discover knowledge at their own pace.

• Small, Mixed-Age Group - Our cooperative values mixed-age groups, reflecting real-world diversity and building a sense of community. Younger kids learn from older peers, while older ones develop leadership by guiding their younger friends. This dynamic promotes cooperation, empathy, and belonging, ensuring a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. With a group size of six children, each child benefits from individualized attention.

• Intentional Diversity & Multiculturalism - As parents of children of color, we understand the value of diverse environments. Our team is diverse, and we welcome visits from community members who contribute to a rich racial and cultural experience. "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion" is a cornerstone, not an addition. We invite families to join us in celebrating our diverse backgrounds.

• Farm-Based - Situated on our 17-acre family farm in Great Barrington, MA, our program encourages children to explore nature's wonders. They have access to an outdoor yard for free play and a greenhouse for gardening, even in winter. Children learn about plants, tend to their own garden, and witness nature's magic. These interactions cultivate wonder, environmental respect, and a connection to the changing seasons, imparting valuable skills for the climate crisis.

• Adaptive - Our philosophy centers on "following the child." We meet our children where they are, fostering an environment that adapts to their needs. Our commitment to flexibility allows us to provide the best support for each child's growth and development.

This project is named after the Aya symbol. 

Aya (pronounced as “eye–ah”) is part of adinkra—visual symbols linked to the (former) Gyaman kingdom (Côte d’Ivoire) and Ashanti culture (Ghana). The word Aya is derived from the Twi language, and is translated to “fern”. Aya is a symbol of endurance, resourcefulness, and defiance against oppression (Kojo Arthur, 2017) Other translations suggest Aya to mean 'I am not afraid of you', 'I am independent of you'.