Muskoka Highlands Academy is getting closer to making outdoor education a reality for all parents who want it for their children.
The school recently launched a community bond program to raise capital for school improvements and the beginning of a fund to make tuition more accessible for families in the community.
With a long-term goal of gaining charitable status, Muskoka Highlands Academy launched the community bond program because community members have been asking about making donations.
“The community bond is a first step in not only allowing us to invest in our school, but also to initiate this fund to make tuition more accessible,” says MHA founding partner and CEO, Sheena Repath. “We need to start small until we obtain our charitable status.”
The school’s goal is to raise $250,000 by the end of February. They’ve raised about half of that through community partners and school families.
The bonds can be purchased by community members, organizations, or businesses. The school has set three contribution options: $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000. There are two terms available: a three-year term at four per cent and a five-year term at 6.5 per cent. The bond will be repaid in full at the end of each of those terms, while the interest will be paid annually.
Some of the funds will be invested in MHA’s arts and language program for next year, as well as new and improved technology for each of its classrooms. And a portion of the bond, no matter how much is raised, will go toward the tuition fund.
School staff are still working on the selection process for the tuition fund. Anyone interested in more information can contact Repath at srepath@muskokahighlandsacademy.com.
“We are an outdoor school but we follow the Ontario curriculum,” she notes. “So while we aren’t a forest school, we leverage learning in the outdoors to unlock the potential within children. They are learning the basic curriculum from the public school system, but we are taking that learning inside and outdoors to make it more engaging and to inspire more children.”
The school currently has 44 students in grades K-8, four classroom teachers, three support staff, and a principal. They split their time throughout the school year between Grandview and Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area, an arrangement that will continue for the next three years. “We plan to secure our own property and invest in building and developing a space for our school,” says Repath.
MHA’s JK/SK students spend about 80 per cent of their time outside and grades 1-4 learn outside between 50-60 percent of the time. Grades 5-8 spend the least amount of time outside at about 30 per cent because they are required to complete more computer and desk work.
Enrolment at MHA is open for September. For those interested in learning more, there’s an open house and toboggan on Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 4-6 p.m. where you can meet the teachers and tour the school. Email hello@muskokahighlandsacademy.com to confirm.
The school will be launching a website soon at muskokahighlandsacademy.com. In the meantime, follow them on Facebook here or on Instagram @muskoka.highlands.academy.
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Local school launches community bond program to help make outdoor education more accessible - Huntsville Doppler - Huntsville Doppler
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