Cupola Academy | 2026 LOVE Award Winner – Excellence in Education

Cupola Academy has been the single most impactful homeschool resource and community for our son, Lucas, and for our entire family. We had contemplated homeschooling for a long time, but when we first found Cupola, we kept asking ourselves, “There has to be a catch.” What sets Cupola apart is not just the programming, but the extraordinary level of care, investment, and intentionality shown by its facilitators and directors (Julia & Mike) in every interaction.

From day one, Cupola has been warm, welcoming, and deeply thoughtful. The facilitators truly know the young people not just their academic levels, but who they are as individuals. Every day of programming, every conversation, and every follow-up reflects an incredible amount of preparation and genuine care. Nothing feels transactional or “one size fits all.” Instead, everything feels purposeful, responsive, and personal.

One of the most meaningful aspects of Cupola Academy has been how individualized Lucas’ learning journey has been. When he became interested in drawing, the facilitators took the time to print Star Wars references tailored specifically to him, encouraging both his creativity and his passions. When he started learning the ukulele, they embraced his interests by letting him learn a LEGO-themed song, meeting him where he was and making me laugh by saying to me “Mom we didn’t do anything educational today!”

Since joining Cupola Academy, Lucas’ creativity has absolutely soared. He feels safe to explore ideas, take risks, and express himself in ways we hadn’t seen before. He’s learned how to play instruments, discovered a love of drawing, and regularly empties our recycling bin to turn cardboard into imaginative creations that now fill our living room. His confidence has grown alongside his curiosity, and learning has become something he’s genuinely excited about, not just work to complete.

What has meant even more to us as parents is how supportive Cupola has been beyond scheduled class time. The directors and facilitators are consistently generous with guidance, resources, and encouragement for all of our non-Cupola learning as well. They truly partner with families, helping us navigate homeschooling as a whole rather than limiting their support to their own programs.

From both an educational and family standpoint, we get far more than our money’s worth at Cupola Academy. The time, care, and expertise poured into this community go above and beyond expectations, and it shows in our child’s growth, joy, and love of learning. We are incredibly grateful to be part of a community that treats homeschooling as both an art and a relationship—and Cupola Academy exemplifies that better than any resource we’ve experienced.

Cupola Academy is a secular academic homeschool program that our children and family have benefited from for years. Their caring and knowledgeable facilitators make learning fun, they are not only responsive but proactive in helping our neurodivergent children thrive. The young people work in small groups so they are constantly practicing how to work with others and the curriculum is interest driven and covers all academic areas! Having Cupola in our lives makes homeschooling our children possible!