Navigating the high school years and applying to college as a homeschooler shouldn’t feel daunting! Come learn from the experts at Cupola Academy as we share tips and offer support to teens and their families as they embark on homeschooling through the high school years. This event will include a panel discussion with recent CA alum who will speak about their experiences applying to college. Additionally, we will break into small groups to help both teens and parents learn about how to create a high school transcript, as well as discuss tips for the college search and application process. This event is FREE and open to the public, but advanced registration is required as spots are limited. Please RSVP here.

Both current and prospective CA families are invited to join us on Friday, May 31st from 5:30pm-7:30pm!

Projects by CA youth will be on display for your enjoyment.

Try your aim at our Dunk Tank, satisfy your tastebuds with yummy food, and relish in an evening of socializing and getting to know the Cupola Academy community.

This event is FREE, but registration is required.

Click HERE to register.

Attention Teens!

Join Cupola Academy for an engaging virtual information session designed specifically for current and prospective Cupola Academy teens interested in exploring the dual enrollment process with Montgomery County Community College. 

CA is thrilled to be an official Partner School of MCCC and will be offering this informative workshop on Tuesday, February 27th at 7:30pm on Zoom. To register, email: mike.hilbert@cupolaacademy.org

Hosted by Cupola Academy co-director Mike Hilbert, we will have a MCCC admissions official present to answer questions about the college's programs, courses, and how to utilize dual enrollment at Montgomery County Community College as part of your homeschooling program.

During this session, we will cover:

- An Overview of Dual Enrollment: Understand how homeschoolers, aged 15 and above, can take college courses while still in high school, earning both high school and college credits. 

- Cupola Academy's Role as a Partner School: Discover the financial benefits and services available to families through CA's formal partnership with MCCC.  

- The Benefits of Dual Enrollment: Learn how dual enrollment can prepare students for college-level work, help them explore potential career paths, and accelerate their educational journey.

- Navigating the Application Process: Get step-by-step guidance on how to register for dual enrollment at Montgomery County Community College and how to apply for the College Readiness Academy (a unique opportunity available only to partner school members). 

This session is perfect for homeschooling families and young people that are either eligible for dual enrollment or curious about expanding their educational horizons through dual enrollment. 

Both current and prospective families are invited to join us for an evening of Minute-to-Win-It games, Karaoke, socializing and light refreshments. Come learn about Cupola Academy while having FUN!

Register HERE

Curious what Partnership Education looks like? Join us for a free trial day at Cupola Academy (CA). With 45 years of experience supporting families on their educational journey, we invite you to participate in our programs to get a sense of our community. Offering intellectually stimulating, hands-on activities provided by expertly trained facilitators, participants will work alongside current CA youth and get to enjoy a day of rich learning and new friendships. Youth will be grouped with similarly-aged peers.

Please note: at Cupola Academy, we view it is our responsibility to cultivate a learning environment that helps youth learn about the complexities of growing up in the 21st century, navigating our changing world with an open and inclusive mindset. We believe youth should be exposed to perspectives and beliefs that stretch them, guided by trusted facilitators who can support their growth and exploration while also respecting individual families’ value sets. We believe that youth have the capability to thoughtfully read texts and engage in respectful dialogue around sensitive topics facing our society today, including racism, gun violence, gender identity, and other complex and nuanced political and social issues. Although not mandated, Cupola Academy strongly encourages vaccinating against Covid-19. 

Register HERE.

Link to register (click here). In this FREE workshop, Cupola Academy co-director Mike Hilbert will walk families through the process of creating a transcript as a homeschooler. Ideal for parents/caregivers and their youth in grades 7-12.

Portfolio Workshop

Who this workshop would benefit: Parents who are new to homeschooling, those who have youth who will be compiling their first portfolio this year, or veteran families who are looking for a refresher or new inspiration!

Why: At CA, our goal is to not only provide engaging programs for your youth, but to also offer workshops to support you on your Partnership Education path. Toward that end, to comply with PA Home Education Law, all youth who turned six by September 1st, 2023 must compile a Portfolio to be reviewed by a PA Certified Teacher. Cupola Academy has PA-certified teachers on staff who conduct the annual year-end Portfolio Evaluations. These evaluations typically take place in May or June. Throughout the year, families should be compiling a Portfolio that highlights a sampling of their youth's work. This workshop is designed to: help families learn some of the basics of Portfolio requirements; offer tips for record-keeping throughout the year; and to share practical suggestions for what makes for an engaging and well-compiled Portfolio.

Registration for this event is required. Register here.

Current families and prospective families are invited to join us as we kick off our 2023-2024 program year!

This event includes an Open House where youth ages 4-18 can participate in hands-on activities and families can learn more about Cupola Academy programs. Bring your natural curiosity, roll up your sleeves, and have some fun!

Register HERE.

Cupola Academy is offering a paper circuit workshop in partnership with the Chester County Library Maker Program!

Are you ready to combine creativity with technology and discover the electrifying world of paper circuits?

This fun and engaging workshop, designed especially for youth aged 11 and up, invites you to explore the fascinating intersection of art, paper crafting, and basic electronics. We promise you will never look at your craft materials the same way again!

Under the guidance of our experienced educators, you will learn about simple electrical circuits, how they work, and how to create them using conductive adhesive tape, LED lights, and batteries. But the fun doesn't stop there! You'll then incorporate these elements into your own imaginative art projects, such as light-up greeting cards or interactive storybooks. By the end of the workshop, not only will you have your unique, brightly-lit craft to take home, but you'll also be equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue your paper circuit adventures!

**Workshop Highlights:**
- Understanding the basic principles of electricity and circuits.
- Hands-on experience in creating working paper circuits.
- Explore creativity by integrating art and technology.
- Discover various applications of paper circuits in everyday life.
- A safe and supportive learning environment.
- Interactive, engaging activities to reinforce learning.
- Each participant will create their own light-up art piece to take home!

No prior knowledge of electronics is needed. All materials for the workshop will be provided. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and creativity!

Join us for a morning of learning and discovery, where art meets science in the most illuminating way. Book your spot now! Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary and light up your world with paper circuits!

REGISTER HERE.

If you weren't able to make our first info session, now you have a second chance! Come learn more about the Material Science and Recycling Program (see more details below).

This interdisciplinary course open to homeschooled, cyber schooled, and dual-enrolled high school students for the 2023-2024 academic year delves into the science, engineering, and chemistry principles behind recycling and upcycling of type 2 plastics, primarily focusing on high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Students will gain a deep understanding of the material properties, recycling processes, and potential applications of recycled type 2 plastics, and the molecular-level changes that occur during these processes.

Through hands-on experience with various recycling machines and equipment, students will learn to transform waste plastics into valuable, sustainable resources, contributing to a circular economy. Furthermore, the course emphasizes community outreach and engagement, enabling students to create a positive impact on local recycling efforts and environmental awareness.

To register for the information session, please email Mike Hilbert at mike.hilbert@cupolaacademy.org.

Both current and prospective CA families are invited to join us on Friday, June and from 5:30pm-8:00pm!

Projects by CA youth will be on display for your enjoyment.

Try your aim at our Dunk Tank, satisfy your tastebuds with yummy food, and relish in an evening of socializing and getting to know the Cupola Academy community.

This event is FREE, but registration is required.

Click HERE to register.

Join us as our CYP teens share their Symposium presentations with the community!

Our 2023 Symposium presentations are:

"How Traditional High School Can Demotivate Students" presented by Connor Moyer

"Empathy in the Medical Field" presented by Abby Bergson-Conklin

"Doping in Sports" presented by Noah Greskiewicz

FREE, BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: register here

We're thrilled to announce that Cupola Academy will be showcasing our outstanding programs' work on May 9th at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute (BMFI) starting at 11:45 am. We invite you to join us in celebrating the creativity and hard work of our students. The event is free and open to the public.

On the big screen at BMFI, we will be presenting stop-motion films focused on environmental issues created by CP2, the product of a 4-week session with Keville Bowen, a local animator and comic book artist.

Following the stop-motion films, we will premiere CYP's documentary about the International Peace Mission Movement and Father Divine. The International Peace Mission Movement's headquarters, The Woodmont Estate, is located close to Riverbend, and learning about their history prompted the CYP group to explore further. The documentary is the product of a year-long group exploration that included multiple visits to the organization, substantial research, and interviews with experts.

Beginning at 12:45 pm, we will conclude the afternoon with CP3's presentation of their science projects. Members of the group have spent the year exploring self-created scientific questions and utilizing the Scientific Method to answer them. They will be presenting their findings to the community and making themselves available for questions next to their presentation boards until the end of our day at 2:30 pm.

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT HERE: https://cupolaacademy.app.neoncrm.com/.../eventRegistrati...&

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to see the fantastic work our young people have accomplished. We look forward to seeing you there!

Curious what Partnership Education looks like? Join us for a free trial day at Cupola Academy (CA) on Tuesday, May 2. With 45 years of experience supporting families on their educational journey, we invite you to participate in our programs to get a sense of our community. Offering intellectually stimulating, hands-on activities provided by expertly trained facilitators, participants will work alongside current CA youth and get to enjoy a day of rich learning and new friendships. Youth will be grouped with similarly-aged peers.

Please note: at Cupola Academy, we view it is our responsibility to cultivate a learning environment that helps youth learn about the complexities of growing up in the 21st century, navigating our changing world with an open and inclusive mindset. We believe youth should be exposed to perspectives and beliefs that stretch them, guided by trusted facilitators who can support their growth and exploration while also respecting individual families’ value sets. We believe that youth have the capability to thoughtfully read texts and engage in respectful dialogue around sensitive topics facing our society today, including racism, gun violence, gender identity, and other complex and nuanced political and social issues. Although not mandated, Cupola Academy strongly encourages vaccinating against Covid-19. 

REGISTER HERE

Join us as we enjoy an evening of Fall fun and community! Both current families and prospective families are welcome!

Register HERE

Who this workshop would benefit: Parents who are new to homeschooling, those who have youth who will be compiling their first portfolio this year, or veteran families who are looking for a refresher or new inspiration!

Why: At CA, our goal is to not only provide engaging programs for your youth, but to also offer workshops to support you on your Partnership Education path. Toward that end, to comply with PA Home Education Law, all youth who turned six by September 1st, 2022 must compile a Portfolio to be reviewed by a PA Certified Teacher. Cupola Academy has PA-certified teachers on staff who conduct the annual year-end Portfolio Evaluations. These evaluations typically take place in May or June. Throughout the year, families should be compiling a Portfolio that highlights a sampling of their youth's work. This workshop is designed to: help families learn some of the basics of Portfolio requirements; offer tips for record-keeping throughout the year; and to share practical suggestions for what makes for an engaging and well-compiled Portfolio.

Registration for this event is required. Register here.

Current families and prospective families are invited to join us as we kick off our 2022-2023 program year!

This event includes an Open House where youth ages 4-18 can participate in hands-on activities and families can learn more about Cupola Academy programs. Bring your natural curiosity, roll up your sleeves, and have some fun!

Register HERE.

In this FREE workshop, Cupola Academy co-director Mike Hilbert will walk families through the process of creating a transcript as a homeschooler. Ideal for parents/caregivers and their youth in grades 7-12.

Whether your homeschooled teen takes a formal approach to their education (attending classes, working with tutors, etc.), or engages in a project-based learning approach, this workshop is for you! We will help you create a formal transcript that incorporates what your teen is already doing and turning it into a personalized, professional transcript.

Attendees will leave the workshop having created an individualized outline of their transcript, as well as receiving sample transcripts to view for inspiration. We will walk you through a step-by-step process of designing a transcript that is clear, professional, and tells your unique story.

With over 45 years of experience helping families navigate the world of self-directed learning, Cupola Academy is here to support your family as you tackle homeschooling through the middle and high school years.

This workshop is FREE and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. Click here to register.

ACTIVITIES:

Crafts @ “Chipmunk Patio:

Tadpole and Frog Catching @ Upper Pond

Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag @ Upper “Field”

Dunk Tank @ Front Gate

Group Games (parachute, obstacle course, etc.) @ Upper “Field”

Bird Watching @ Outdoor Classroom

Sample CA Program Activities on Display in the Barn Main Floor and Overlook Room

FOOD AND DRINK:

Refreshments @ Upper Terrace

Drinks @ Upper Tarrace

Bathrooms located in Barn and Pavilion (near Upper “Field”)

Come enjoy a lively virtual Silent Auction to help fund the Constructing Your Path annual trip! A wide variety of items will be auctioned off to the community. Some items include: tickets to local restaurants and attractions, such as Winterthur and Longwood Gardens, handmade items such as quilts and a knit bunny, beautiful art done by talented Constructing Your Path youth, and a multitude of items that would suit anyone’s interests!

This event will be the culmination of a week of exciting bidding -- what could be a better celebration than playing virtual games with community members? You could even win a Wawa gift card! The event is free to attend but the fun you experience will be priceless! 

Bidding on the Virtual Silent Auction begins on Monday, March 21st, and with bidding closing on Saturday, March 26th. The link to the website is pasted below:

https://go.rallyup.com/cyp-auction

In order to bid on items you are given the option to choose an alias of your preference. We suggest your favorite fictional character’s name as an alias, it can be from wherever you like! Please RSVP if you intend on attending through an email to Mike Hilbert (mike.hilbert@cupolaacademy.org) or Lucy Tyson (lucy.tyson@cupoplaacademy.org).

Want to help the group go to the Catskills but don’t want to bid on items? Click here to make a donation.