A cohort that grows together
Children begin in a small group with the intention that most will remain together through elementary school—and, as the model grows, through K–12.
A founding cohort for Durham children ages 5–6
What if your child could be known for the long haul?
Windy Hill Play is exploring a small, academically structured cohort where children begin learning together—and have the opportunity to keep growing with many of the same peers and adults.
This is an early inquiry, not an enrollment commitment.
One steady community
K–1Begin together2–5Build roots6–8Stretch outward9–12Grow with purpose
The cohort stays rooted while learning expands across subjects, ages, interests, and community.
This is not a homeschool co-op. Parents would not be expected to manage curriculum or provide day-to-day instruction. WHP would operate the academic program as an alternative to traditional schooling.
The model
A small home group inside a much bigger village.
Children would have the stability of a consistent cohort without being confined to one room, one pace, or one set of relationships.
A complete academic program
WHP would carry responsibility for curriculum, core subjects, structured instruction, assessment, and academic progress.
Known over time
Small cohorts and consistent adults make room for individual attention, lasting relationships, and a deeper understanding of each child.
Structure with room to move
Direct teaching is balanced with inquiry, projects, nature, movement, social-emotional development, and meaningful child agency.
Learning at WHP
Strong academics. More ways to be a learner.
The school would include structured literacy, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, art, movement, nature, and practical learning. Children would receive explicit instruction and meaningful opportunities to question, create, collaborate, and apply what they know.
A dependable rhythm with seasonal variety
FoundationsReading · Writing · Math
InvestigationScience · History · Projects
Whole childMovement · Nature · Relationships
AgencyChoice · Reflection · Public work
How the model is supported
A shared investment in a small, steady learning community.
The microschool will operate as part of Windy Hill Play’s overall nonprofit mission. WHP will cover the program’s organizational overhead so tuition can remain focused on the people and resources closest to the children.
The structure around the school
Windy Hill Play will cover program overhead and provide teacher onboarding, training, professional development, and retention support.
A dedicated licensed teacher
Each microschool cohort will be responsible for the cost of a North Carolina–licensed teacher dedicated to that cohort.
per student
Two scholarships will be available in each cohort.
Families we hope to hear from
You want more than a smaller classroom.
- You want your child to be understood in context and over time.
- You value a consistent peer group and lasting adult relationships.
- You want academic structure without losing play, movement, curiosity, or agency.
- You want a school to carry the academic responsibility—not send it home to you.
- You are open to helping shape a founding cohort with honest feedback and long-term commitment.
Help us understand the need
Could this be the school your family has been looking for?
Tell us a little about your child and what you are hoping to find. We’ll use these early inquiries to shape the founding cohort, schedule, family conversations, and next steps.
What happens next?
WHP will review responses, identify areas of shared interest, and invite families into a more detailed conversation as the pilot takes shape.