Mt Nelson Academy Daily Routine:

Morning Walk:
The day at Mt Nelson Academy begins with a refreshing morning walk through the serene pathways of the campus. As the students stroll amidst the tranquility of nature, they prepare their minds for the day ahead, invigorated by the fresh air and the promise of learning.

Socratic Discussion to Start the Day:
Upon arrival at the campus, students gather for a stimulating Socratic discussion led by their mentors. Engaging in critical thinking and respectful debate, they explore profound questions and diverse perspectives, setting the tone for a day of intellectual curiosity.

Core Skills:
Following the Socratic discussion, students transition to their core skills classes, where they delve into subjects such as mathematics, language arts, and science. Through online programs such as No Red Ink, Beast Academy and other programs, hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and personalized instruction, they strengthen their foundational knowledge and skills essential for academic success.

Lunch and Free Time:
Midday brings a well-deserved break for lunch and free time. Students enjoy a nutritious meal together, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. During free time, they have the opportunity to pursue their interests, whether it be reading, creative arts, or outdoor recreation, encouraging a balanced approach to learning and leisure.

Quest and Project Time:
In the afternoon, students embark on their quest and project time, a period dedicated to independent exploration and collaborative inquiry. Guided by visiting mentors and guides, they immerse themselves in real-world challenges, interdisciplinary projects, and passion-driven pursuits, fostering creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

Studio Maintenance:
As stewards of their learning environment, students participate in studio maintenance activities, taking pride in keeping their classrooms, workshops, and communal spaces organized, clean, and conducive to learning. Through this responsibility, they cultivate a sense of ownership and respect for their shared environment.

Closing:
The day draws to a close with a reflective gathering where students, guides and mentors come together to share insights, achievements, and challenges encountered throughout the day. Celebrating accomplishments and offering support, they reaffirm their commitment to personal growth, academic excellence, and community engagement.

Afternoon Walk Back:
As the day wraps up, students conclude their day with a leisurely afternoon walk back through the campus grounds, reflecting on their experiences and preparing to return home. Energized by a day of exploration, collaboration, and discovery, they depart with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for the adventures that await them tomorrow.

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This daily routine at Mt Nelson Academy aims to nurture holistic development, fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and a strong sense of community among its students.

Tuition:

The Heartwood portion of the program is free to BC residents and tuition fees pertain solely to the Mt Nelson Academy Nature School programming.

From Heartwood each family is provided with a budget of $500 per student for learning resources which can include things such as music lessons or access to sports opportunities.

Tuition Breakdown:

• $1000 per learner due upon acceptance
• Monthly payments due on the first of the month Sept – June.
• 1 learner $388 due monthly on the 1^st of the month starting Sept 1^st 2025
• 2 learners $ 738 due monthly on the 1^st of the month starting Sept 1^st 2025
• 3 learners $ 1,052 due monthly on the 1^st of the month starting Sept 1^st 2025
• Families can also choose to pay tuition in full if they prefer on  Sept 1^st 2025

At this time we are offering grades 2-9. Our plan is to have a K-12 program available in the very near future.

If your child falls outside of this grade range and you are interested in Mt Nelson Academy, please contact us here to join our interest list

Mt Nelson Academy is a hybrid school. Your child will be enrolled with Heartwood, which is School District 71. This means your child is registered in a BC school, with a BC certified teacher. No school fees will be used as part of the Heartwood School portion of this hybrid school.

Research has shown that exposure to nature has profound benefits for children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. At Mt Nelson Academy, we understand the importance of connecting students with the natural world to foster a deeper appreciation for the environment and promote overall well-being. Our nature-based education initiatives provide students with opportunities to explore, discover, and learn in outdoor environments, creating a dynamic learning experience that extends beyond the walls of the classroom.

Inquiry-based learning lies at the heart of our educational philosophy. By encouraging students to ask questions, investigate, and problem-solve, we empower them to take ownership of their learning journey. Through hands-on exploration and collaborative inquiry, students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. Our dedicated educators guide students on this journey, fostering a supportive and stimulating environment where curiosity thrives.

We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.

Someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don’t know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock without asking an adult for help — participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.

We cap our studios at 15-18 learners to maintain an ideal learner-to-guide ratio. As we continue to grow our Academy, we prioritize keeping the ratio small to ensure that every learner receives the support and attention they need to thrive.

At Mt Nelson Academy, traditional grade-based grouping takes a backseat to a more dynamic and personalized approach to education. Instead of segregating students solely based on age or grade level, Mt Nelson Academy embraces the concept of mixed-age groupings, recognizing the unique benefits it offers to both learners and educators alike.

Working with mixed ages is a cornerstone of the Mt Nelson Academy philosophy. It fosters a collaborative learning environment where students not only receive instruction but also have the opportunity to become teachers themselves. Younger students benefit from the guidance and mentorship of their older peers, while older students reinforce their understanding of concepts by explaining them to others. This interplay of roles cultivates empathy, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility among all students.

Moreover, individualized instruction lies at the heart of the educational approach at Mt Nelson Academy. Recognizing that each student has their own pace of learning, interests, and strengths, the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of each individual learner. This personalized approach empowers students to take ownership of their education, allowing them to delve deeply into subjects that inspire them and progress at their own rhythm.

Mt Nelson Academy creates an environment where students can truly thrive. They have the freedom to pursue their own educational journey, mastering concepts at their own pace and exploring topics that ignite their passion. In this dynamic and inclusive setting, every student has the opportunity to excel, grow, and become the architect of their own learning experience.

We believe each of our students will find a passion — something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world. This may be by becoming a mechanic who makes people’s day just by doing his job with love and vigor; it may be by becoming a coach who sees the light in a child’s eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a father or mother who leads a family on a Hero’s Journey; it may be becoming an entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity; or it may be by becoming an artist or writer who brings beauty to people’s lives.

Mt Nelson Academy uses the term “guide” instead of “teacher” to emphasize a different approach to learning. Guides at Mt Nelson Academy are designed to be more like coaches, cheerleaders, advocates, and encouragers, rather than authority figures. They create exciting challenges, set boundaries, and invite students to embark on a life-changing journey. This approach aligns with Mt Nelson Academy’s belief that young people are capable of being responsible for their own learning, and it encourages students to seek out teachers, coaches, experts, and mentors whenever they need one, rather than relying solely on a single teacher-as-authority figure.

Dylan Dainard is our Guide at Mt Nelson Academy. Dylan is a BC certified teacher and a true guide at heart. Please see his Bio for further information. We will also have Motivational leaders who will occasionally join us at Mt Nelson Academy to share their inspiration and their journeys with our learners.

At Mt Nelson Academy, a “quest” is an immersive learning journey designed to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and instill a sense of purpose in students. Each quest is a deep dive into a particular topic or theme, challenging students to explore, discover, and solve real-world problems.

During a quest, students engage in hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and experiential learning experiences. They embark on adventures that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and develop essential skills for success in the 21st century.

Quests are interconnected with projects, as they provide the context and inspiration for students to apply their learning in meaningful ways. Projects emerge naturally from the quests, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding, creativity, and innovation through tangible outcomes such as presentations, prototypes, or community initiatives.

By integrating quests and projects, Acton Academy fosters a dynamic and holistic approach to education, where students are not only learners but also creators, adventurers, and changemakers. Through quests and projects, students embark on transformative learning journeys that prepare them to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence, curiosity, and purpose.

NoRedInk is an innovative online English program designed to personalize and enhance the learning experience for students. With a focus on grammar, writing, and language skills, NoRedInk utilizes adaptive technology to tailor lessons to each student’s individual strengths and areas for improvement.

Through engaging exercises, interactive quizzes, and real-world examples, NoRedInk helps students master essential English concepts while keeping them motivated and challenged. The program provides instant feedback and personalized recommendations, allowing students to track their progress and address specific areas of difficulty.

Beast Academy Math Program: Beast Academy is a dynamic and engaging math curriculum designed to ignite a love for mathematics in students. Developed by mathematicians and educators, Beast Academy offers a comprehensive approach to mathematical learning that emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and conceptual understanding.

Each lesson is carefully crafted to challenge students with rich, thought-provoking problems that encourage deep mathematical reasoning and exploration.

Beast Academy’s interactive online platform provides additional practice problems, puzzles, and games, allowing students to reinforce their learning and develop fluency in mathematical concepts. With its rigorous yet accessible approach, Beast Academy empowers students to become confident mathematicians who are eager to tackle new challenges and embrace the beauty of mathematics.

Nessy is grounded in evidence-based educational methods designed to enhance literacy skills. The platform uses a multisensory learning approach, engaging students through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities, which strengthens memory and learning. It focuses on phonological awareness, a key skill for reading success, by helping students understand the relationship between letters and sounds. Nessy’s user-friendly design supports different learning styles, providing a clear and consistent layout to keep students focused. The platform also uses spaced repetition to reinforce learning and improve retention, ensuring that key concepts are solidified over time. By integrating these proven techniques, Nessy offers an effective, interactive way for students to develop literacy skills at their own pace.