Our Story

We began our journey more than 30 years ago, when we first started the search for a place for our children that offered them space to grow, learn and explore. We found that place in Villa Rica, GA, in a small, private Montessori school that was run by the most amazing couple. They have since retired, but have impacted the Montessori community globally and the knowledge we acquired there has continued to influence us as educators. Since then, we have had the pleasure of meeting many key people in the field of education and we have continued our pursuit of learning. As life-long learners ourselves, we came to understand that the first step in truly helping children learn was to first identify how all people naturally learn. We started a consulting firm in 2007, which we continue to operate, whose mission is to help students and families formulate a plan that will lead to their academic success. We also help schools, both in the US and abroad, develop and grow programs, as well as refine or improve existing programs. We assist schools by developing curriculum in multiple disciplines and training teachers on how to be guides rather than instructors. We have taken all of our training, education and everything we have learned and developed the ARA educational framework. This is the foundation upon which we are establishing the first of what we hope will be many ARA Ed. Schools, The Oaks Academy.

Our desire is for The Oaks Academy to be a place where children experience the ARA learning process. Where they will thrive as lessons are presented using different formats to engage the greatest number of students and provide options for the learners to demonstrate mastery. The Oaks Academy has applied to be a member of the International Center for Academic Integrity, whose six core values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage will be the pillars that ground our school and create an inclusive community. We are excited to have you partner with us on this next part of our journey