Our journey began seven years ago, when we were searching for a Kindergarten program for our oldest daughter. I enrolled her in an excellent public school—one I had attended more than twenty years earlier. I quickly became involved as a classroom parent and as vice president of the PTA, but what I saw left me deeply unsettled. Art, music, character education, and field trips had been scaled back or eliminated to make room for standardized testing. The one-size-fits-all model brought stress and anxiety to my bright little girl. I saw loving teachers and administrators doing their best within a system that no longer worked.

In my search for something better, I turned to books about progressive education—and once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I began to imagine what a school could look like if it were rooted in joy, wonder, and purpose. I envisioned a place beyond bureaucracy, budget cuts, and crowded classrooms. A place where learning wasn’t measured by test scores, but by curiosity, creativity, and connection. That dream eventually grew into The Treehouse Academy.

Since opening our doors in 2021, Treehouse has served hundreds of families across San Diego County. Our campuses in Carlsbad and Liberty Station offer a truly alternative model of education—one where children are trusted, respected, and deeply known. In our multi-age classrooms, students form meaningful relationships, practice leadership and mentorship, and learn at their own pace through personalized curriculum and real-world projects. They set their own goals, take ownership of their learning, and develop a lifelong sense of purpose.

Creative expression is at the heart of our program. Our students explore ceramics, woodworking, sewing, painting, and theater—discovering the joy of creating with their hands, voices, and hearts. Music fills our classrooms through choir and rhythm activities, and each session brings opportunities to showcase student work and performance. Every week, children venture beyond the classroom on field trips across San Diego—from tide pools and museums to gardens, farms, and local businesses—because we believe the world is our classroom, and real learning happens everywhere.

The Treehouse Academy incorporates many things we know to be true about how children learn, but that traditional schools have been too slow to implement. Learning is not confined to desks or dictated by bells—it flows from curiosity, conversation, and connection. In our classrooms, critical thinking replaces memorization, and wonder replaces pressure. Above all, we believe that when children find joy in learning, their potential is limitless.

I’ve come to the conclusion that if I have the skills, knowledge, and passion to bring this kind of education to our community, how could I not share it?

If you have questions about The Treehouse Academy, contact me here. And if you’re ready to start your family’s journey with us, apply now.