Why I Started Longleaf Learning Studio

Welcome Families,

I started Longleaf Learning Studio because I believe many bright, capable students need something more personal than a traditional school can provide. Throughout my 25+ years as an educator, I have seen students thrive when they are known deeply, challenged meaningfully, and given the freedom to explore their interests.

Longleaf Learning Studio provides a small, human-centered learning community where preteen and young teenage students can build confidence, develop leadership, engage in meaningful projects, and discover their strengths. It is designed for students who may be overlooked in larger environments but have tremendous potential when given the right relationships, opportunities, and support.

Thank you for exploring how Longleaf Learning Studio might fit into your family's education plans. We look forward to the opportunity to learn more about your needs.

Warm regards,

Human-centered education meets students where they are, recognizes their unique strengths, and guides them toward who they are capable of becoming.
— Dr. Tahira Copland
    Founder of Longleaf Learning Studio

What We Believe

These are the beliefs that have guided our mission from the start.

1
COLLABORATION

We collaborate with families and our community to create experiential learning opportunities.

2
PERSONALIZATION

We meet learners where they are to support their individual, academic, and socio-emotional needs.

3
AUTHENTICITY

Our learners apply what they learn by creating meaningful projects solving real problems.

About Longleaf Learning Studio

Quick facts about our learning community

ages served
Preteen and young teenage learners (upper elementary through middle school)
Location
New Bern, NC
schedule
Mon–Fri, 8:25 am–2:35 pm
signature experiences
✓VIP Guests
✓Entreprenurial Projects
✓Service Learning
✓Outdoor Education
✓Passion Projects
✓Student Exhibitions
✓Makerspace Experiences
✓Field Studies
✓Mind-Body-Soul Curriculum nurturing socio-emotional growth
learner outcomes
✓Critical Thinkers
✓Confident Communicators
✓Self-Directed Learners
✓Creative Problem Solvers
✓Community Builders
✓Purpose-Driven Individuals
A typical day
We begin each day with morning circle, followed by a personalized learning block and a project workshop. Then, we break for lunch and time for movement & connection. Next, we engage in a community project or Signature Experience. We end each day by sharing reflections on what we learned, accomplished, and experienced.
Getting started

How to Enroll

Choosing the right learning environment is a big decision.
We keep the process simple, personal, and supportive so your family can get to know us as we get to know you

01
Start a Conversation

Tell us a little about your family and what you’re looking for in a learning experience. We’ll answer your questions, learn about your child, and help you consider whether Longleaf Learning Studio might be a good fit. Schedule a call today.

02
Explore the Fit

If Longleaf Learning Studio feels promising, we’ll invite you to complete a short application so we can learn more about your learner’s strengths, interests, needs, and goals—and make sure our program is a strong fit for your family.

03
Come Visit

Spend time with us, see the space, meet the people behind Longleaf Learning Studio, and experience how learning feels here. This is a chance for your family to ask questions and get a real sense of our community.

04
Join our Community!

Once enrollment is confirmed, we’ll help your family get ready for a smooth start, answer any remaining questions, and make sure your learner feels welcomed and prepared from day one.

See how we do things differently

Interested in Learning More?

We'd love to answer your questions and show you what learning looks like here.

Reach Out Today