Bridges and Beyond

Dandelion Learning Collaborative began in 2019 around a dining room table: twelve kids from seven families meeting three days a week. We later moved into a little rancher on an acre with a converted garage, and in 2025 we leased a building from a church down the street, on an acre with a playspace and deck. Today we are a part-time Montessori microschool for ages 5 to 12, working with K-8 content in one multi-age Schoolhouse. About 40 families choose 2 to 6 half-day sessions a week on a traditional academic year calendar. Sessions hold up to 24 children with at least one adult for every 8, led by Montessori and state-certified teachers whose backgrounds include special education, literacy and mathematics. Our STEAM Project Labs serve ages 7 to 12, and Day Camps run on select Fridays and in summer. Our families keep registered North Carolina homeschools. We are an approved ESA+ service provider through NCSEAA and offer sibling discounts and scholarships. Children who are gifted, neurodivergent or have learning differences share the same room, materials and peers.

At Language Planet Montessori, we offer programs for toddlers ages 2–3, Children’s House ages 3–5, kindergarten, and first grade. Children work with Montessori materials and can progress at an individual pace; our program also introduces French, Italian, and Spanish. We offer three-, four-, and five-day schedules, plus early drop-off and extended care when space is available. Our FAQ says the environment is best suited to children who can choose activities and work independently or in small groups for periods of time. We invite families to tour and discuss fit.

QIQ Learning Academy is a dedicated educational institution designed to empower K-12 students, particularly those with unique learning needs such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The academy's core mission centers on fostering a passion for knowledge and critical thinking while nurturing the whole child in a supportive environment. With a focus on personalized learning, QIQ Learning Academy employs expert instructors who facilitate direct instruction sessions tailored to each student’s individual needs. This approach is complemented by strong partnerships with parents, ensuring ongoing collaboration that significantly enhances student growth and achievement. The academy offers a diverse range of courses, including Math, Language Arts, College Test Prep, Coding, and College Admission Counseling, all delivered in interactive learning centers that promote hands-on engagement. What truly sets QIQ Learning Academy apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio and cultivating meaningful family involvement, creating a unique community where students can thrive academically while enjoying enriching summer camp experiences and community events.