Exploring Life & Business with Audrey Tipper of Copper Learning Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Tipper

Hi Audrey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to founding Copper Learning Academy began when my daughter attended Natural Learners Preschool in Ovid, MI, a nature-inspired and child-led program run by the amazing Emily McCall. My daughter thrived there, and when I searched for a similar next step in her education, I found nothing locally. This inspired me to create a similar environment for her and other children in our community.

Growing up, I spent countless hours outdoors, exploring the family farm and learning the value of hard work. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and a belief in the power of hands-on learning. I wanted to pass these values on to my daughter and other children.

During COVID, I witnessed many of my mom friends struggle with education. It was a tough time for students and teachers. The challenges they all faced inspired me to keep searching for something that fit my daughter’s learning style better. This led to the idea of Copper Learning Academy.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were many challenges along the way. The first location I secured didn’t work out, and around that time, one of my sisters passed away, causing me to step back to process my grief. Over a year later, I returned to the project, feeling more inspired and certain I needed to make this happen. The time away helped me realize how much this mission meant to me and gave me a renewed sense of purpose.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Grand Valley State University has been invaluable. My education there prepared me for this in ways I never saw coming.

Growing up on a dairy farm showed me the importance of supporting local farmers. This is Copper Learning Academy will emphasize by sourcing food locally, and planning farm field trips as part of our curriculum.

Our educational philosophy is child-led, teaching each child based on their individual level and building them up from there. We will follow a homeschool-style approach in a one-room schoolhouse setting, with a mix of ages. Children will keep portfolios of their work to share at parent-teacher conferences, spend time in nature, and learn responsibility by helping take care of the school. We also have a Spanish language immersion component and we are excited to offer supportive nutrition for meals and snacks.

I conducted extensive research, read studies, visited many nature schools, and took a certification course through the Forest School Teacher Institute. I talked with parents to understand their pain points and consulted with teachers, a business coach, and a joined a mastermind group for women entrepreneurs.

I want to help set these kids up for success in life and build a community of families raising their kids together. We will have three main agreements: (1) be kind to nature, (2) be kind to others, and (3) be kind to yourself. I want kids to see themselves as strong and intelligent, to be able to think critically, and to reach for their goals.

Our year-round program will take advantage of the growing season through gardening, allowing kids to help pick their own food for lunches. We will do field trips to farms, have guest speakers, and ensure daily time spent outside for learning and free time. Nature has a profound effect on settling both kids and adults, especially neurodivergent children.

I envision parents visiting for lunch, sharing their expertises, attending field trips, volunteering, and being part of the educational process and fun. Field trip destinations could include farms, the capitol building, state parks, and local businesses.

We will have regular parent-teacher conferences where students will share their portfolios and discuss goals and challenges. This process aims to build skills and confidence for adulthood. Our teaching staff will be aligned with our vision through regular reviews, meetings, and an open-door policy.

In general, my goal is to spend as much time outside as possible and to create a community of families who are raising our kids together.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My initial support group included my husband and close friends, and as time went on, I found other fantastic supporters. The Briggs District Library, the Eureka Christian Church members, my business coach, my women’s entrepreneur group (The Rise Leadership Circle), local business members, and a fantastic nutritionist (Kaitlyn Longoria) who will teach our kids about what it means to fueling our bodies. All of these people play crucial roles in my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.CopperLearningAcademy.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CopperLearningAcademy