learning should be Joyful
Discover Heritage Learning COTTAGE
Tia Wilcox
Tia Wilcox is the Director and a co-founder of HLC. A seasoned professional educator holding degrees in both early childhood development and elementary education, Tia is dedicated to cultivating curiosity, character, and strong academic foundations. As an illustrator and published author of children's books, her love of storytelling and i
Tia Wilcox is the Director and a co-founder of HLC. A seasoned professional educator holding degrees in both early childhood development and elementary education, Tia is dedicated to cultivating curiosity, character, and strong academic foundations. As an illustrator and published author of children's books, her love of storytelling and imagination blends seamlessly into the her warm and
approachable teaching style.
Our Program
We believe children thrive when learning is structured and joyful, and when high expectations are paired with warmth and encouragement.
We maintain a screen-free learning environment that prioritizes rich life experiences,
hands-on discovery, talking, books, music, movement, nature, and imaginative play over digital distractions.
Nature i
We believe children thrive when learning is structured and joyful, and when high expectations are paired with warmth and encouragement.
We maintain a screen-free learning environment that prioritizes rich life experiences,
hands-on discovery, talking, books, music, movement, nature, and imaginative play over digital distractions.
Nature is one of our greatest classrooms. Daily outdoor exploration, gardening, seasonal observation, farm-based learning, and free movement are essential parts of our learning rhythm. We believe children need sunshine, fresh air, and space to wander and wonder.
In order to foster meaningful
connections with our students, our group sizes are kept intentionally small. This allows each child to receive individualized attention.
Our academic program focuses on early literacy, reading readiness, phonemic awareness, number sense, logic, and language development.
We value gratitude, responsibility, kindness, service, and a belief in modeling respect for ourselves, others, family, God, and country.
Sarah Sumner
Sarah Sumner
Lead teacher Sarah Sumner is a
co-founder of HLC.
Prioritizing a focus on educating the whole child, she recognizes that the mind, body & spirit are all essential to a child’s growth. Her vision inspired our center’s outdoor-centered curriculum.
A former lead teacher and mathematics coach, she has a
strong foundation in STEM education, and
Lead teacher Sarah Sumner is a
co-founder of HLC.
Prioritizing a focus on educating the whole child, she recognizes that the mind, body & spirit are all essential to a child’s growth. Her vision inspired our center’s outdoor-centered curriculum.
A former lead teacher and mathematics coach, she has a
strong foundation in STEM education, and her leadership skills and ability to inspire students also led her to become an award-
winning youth volleyball coach, leading her teams to
three consecutive championship seasons.
Now a homeschooling mother of three, Sarah brings a rich, personal understanding of
child development and family-centered learning.