Our Story
A Community-Driven Educational Revolution
Umbrella Academy is more than just a school—it's a community-driven movement, born from the collective dreams and aspirations of passionate parents and educators. Together, we are redefining education, transcending traditional boundaries to nurture curiosity, leadership, and a love for learning in our children.
Inspired by the best elements of educational philosophies like Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Forest Schools, Democratic Schools, and the Sudbury Model, we integrate these timeless approaches with modern technology. Recognizing that no two learners are the same, we emphasize personalized, passion-based learning and hands-on projects that ignite each child's interests.
At Umbrella Academy, we see education as a holistic journey that embraces the whole child. Our curriculum fosters individualized learning paths, a strong connection to nature, and democratic principles, preparing students for the future in an environment that feels like home.
While Julia and Brianna serve as the heads of our school, this vision is truly a shared dream—one being realized through the partnership and investment/tuition of parents like you. Together, we are building this community and school for our children, creating a space where they are empowered to thrive, explore their passions, and experience learning as a transformative journey.
Join us in this educational revolution, where we come together to invest in a future where every child is inspired to reach their full potential.
Mission and Vision
Redefining Education
Our Mission:
At Umbrella Academy, we are committed to providing a unique and engaging learning experience that ignites imagination, cultivates critical thinking, and nurtures self-sustaining abilities. With a focus on small class sizes, we ensure personalized attention and a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Our Vision:
Umbrella Academy stands apart from the traditional school system. While we draw inspiration from educational philosophies like Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Forest Schools, Democratic Schools, and the Sudbury Model, we have crafted our own unique approach. By blending these timeless methods with cutting-edge technology, we offer an innovative educational experience that evolves with our ever-changing world.
Key Components:
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Holistic Learning: We focus on the development of the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically.
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Interest-Driven Curriculum: Our personalized curriculums are designed to inspire passion and excitement, allowing students to explore personal projects and interests. No two educational paths are the same, as each is tailored to the individual.
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Project-Based and Experiential Learning: Students engage in hands-on projects that integrate technology with traditional methods, encouraging them to think outside the box.
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Nature and Environment: Our curriculum maintains a strong connection to nature, enhanced by technology for deeper environmental education.
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Democratic Principles: Students are involved in decision-making, fostering leadership and a sense of community.
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Global and Digital Literacy: We prepare students for the future by teaching digital skills and global awareness.
Our Unique Approach:
At Umbrella Academy, learning is a personalized journey that breaks free from conventional boundaries. We celebrate the individuality of each student by offering custom curriculums that cater to their unique interests and learning styles. Our small class sizes and mixed-age groups create a supportive community where students are encouraged to pursue their passions and think creatively.
Guided by dedicated educators and supported by an engaged community of parents, our students navigate their learning journeys with confidence, working toward individual goals in a nurturing and innovative setting.
Join us at Umbrella Academy, where education is reimagined, and every child discovers a place that feels like home.
Meet Julia:
Head of School
​Born and raised in Europe, my journey into education is rooted in a deep passion for understanding the human mind and the power of early childhood development. With an extensive background in psychology, I’ve dedicated much of my career to guiding people—children and adults alike—toward self-expression, fulfillment, and success. When it came time to choose a school for my own children, I realized that none of the options fully aligned with my vision of what a truly exceptional learning environment should be. I imagined a place where children could thrive, grow confidently, and explore their potential in a hands-on, nurturing setting—yet I couldn’t find a school that matched that dream.
Driven by this vision, I transitioned from guiding individuals to leading an entire community of learners. I had the incredible opportunity to partner with a nationwide school organization to launch and lead one of their schools right here in Arizona. In just one year, the impact has been transformative. I’ve witnessed students grow in ways I could never have imagined—academically, socially, and emotionally. The growth of our school community has been equally remarkable, with children embracing every challenge and developing a genuine love for learning.
Umbrella Academy was born out of the desire to push this vision even further. As a separate, independently-run school, we now offer even more personalized learning opportunities. Our curriculum is uniquely tailored to meet each child’s needs, providing hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. The confidence that I’ve seen blossoming in our students is beyond inspiring. They’re not just learning. They’re thriving. They approach new experiences with enthusiasm, collaborate with peers, and give their very best in all that they do.
For me, Umbrella Academy is more than a school. It’s my place of fulfillment. Every day brings immense joy and pride as I witness the incredible accomplishments of our students. Their growth, resilience, and creativity remind me why I chose this path. I am honored to lead a school where children are empowered to dream big, and where their unique talents are nurtured in a community that feels like family.
Meet Brianna:
Co-Head of School
Becoming a mother was a transformative turning point in my journey as an educator, opening my eyes to the profound impact of nurturing each child's individuality and unique potential. This personal experience inspired me to partner with Julia in creating Umbrella Academy, a magical place where education transcends traditional boundaries.
As a dedicated educator specializing in early childhood development, I am passionate about creating enriching learning experiences. With a background in psychology, art therapy, and graphic design, I have had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with Julia over the past year. Together, we have designed activities that transcend traditional curriculums, focusing on exploration, creativity, and real-life experiences.
I have long prayed and dreamed of a community where we could come together to raise our children in mixed-age groups, fostering a sense of belonging and shared growth. Inspired by various educational models, I realized there wasn't a single approach that encapsulated everything we envisioned. This realization fueled our commitment to building a community that supports each child's growth.
I firmly believe in a revolution in education, where learning extends beyond desks and textbooks. Advocating for a whole-child approach, I encourage children to explore their passions in a nurturing environment. Our educational philosophy prioritizes small class sizes, ensuring individualized care and attention. By integrating essential skills like math and literacy with practical life lessons, we emphasize emotional intelligence, self-discovery, and peer collaboration. Recognizing the vital role of families, I actively seek strong partnerships with parents to ensure an inspiring educational journey for every child.
Reflecting on this journey, I am filled with gratitude as I witness our dream come to life. It is heartening to see a community blossom, truly supporting each child's growth. I am immensely thankful for Julia's partnership and for everyone who has contributed to this wonderful adventure. Together, we are excited to see this initiative continue to flourish, enriching the lives of many more young learners in the years to come. This is just the beginning of something big, and I am honored to offer an alternative that truly resonates with our community's needs.
A Shared Vision for the Next Generation
When we first met, it was clear we shared a passion for education and a calling to create a space where children could grow into compassionate leaders and thinkers. Our vision quickly resonated with parents seeking a school that nurtures not just academic success but personal growth and community engagement.
As Co-Heads of School, we lead alongside parents, ensuring their voices and dreams are woven into the fabric of our school. Our partnership with families is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation. This school is not just a reflection of our vision but a collective creation, embodying the hopes and dreams of our entire community.
Together, we are building a vibrant space where every child is empowered to explore their fullest potential, making the future bright and promising for all.
