The Chic Guide: What is Leaves of Learning?
Diana Osborn, Director at Leaves of Learning: Leaves of Learning is like college for kids. It’s an innovative approach to education. Families design their own program, based on each child’s individual needs. Some students take only one or two classes per week while others attend all four days. Classes run from September through May, with time off for Winter and Spring breaks.
Leaves of Learning gives students the opportunity to grow as individuals, at their own pace, in an environment that accepts them for who they are.
The Chic Guide: What’s the inspiration behind it?
Osborn: So many kids are tuned out, bogged down with requirements and are shut off from their own creativity and curiosity. Our goal is to ignite the love of learning and keep it alive. We do this by offering a wide range of classes that are engaging and real. In addition, we recognize the importance of small class-size in maintaining a quality learning environment. Our low student/teacher ratio—about ten students per class— means students get individual attention.
The Chic Guide: Who’s behind it?
Osborn: Our staff of 50 passionate, caring teachers and administrators make Leaves of Learning a special place. We seek teachers who are excited about their subject area, who care about kids and who teach in an engaging and fun way.
Leaves of Learning was founded 25 years ago by Diana Osborn, who was looking for something better for her 3 children. She teamed up with some incredible people to make it possible.
The Chic Guide: What age groups do you offer schooling to?
Osborn: Leaves of Learning has students from age 3-18, from a Montessori Preschool to Seniors!
The Chic Guide: What makes Leaves of Learning unique?
Osborn: As you enter our lobby you feel an energy of warmth and love. Our students and families know we are a different kind of “school.” People comment that they feel the difference even as they enter the parking lot. Kids and staff are laughing, sharing, and talking. There is joy! At Leaves of Learning, teachers and office staff are welcoming. Kids are kind. It’s a place where students feel nurtured and safe.
At Leaves of Learning everything we do is for the children. The children are the reason we are here and we honor and respect them.
The Chic Guide: Is there anything new on the horizon?
Osborn: Leaves of Learning offers all of the core math, science, language arts and history classes necessary for a well-rounded education. In addition, we ask teachers to dream up some classes that they would love to teach. And they do! This provides new innovative classes each year.
Some examples for the upcoming year: Baking Academy, Self Expression Through Art, Animal Studies, Music Theory & History, Improvisation, Flower Farming, Psychology & The Law, Coding Fun, American Sign Language and more!
The Chic Guide: Where can readers go to learn more and follow along?
Osborn: Find us at leavesoflearning.org.
