EADING
THE OUTDOOR EDUCATION
MOVEMENT
L
COMMUNITY
focused
EXPERIENTIAL
OUTDOOR
EDUCATION
PERSONALIZED learning
PATHS
Making an IMPACT BY REIMAGINING
EDUCATION FOR KIDS
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Carolina Kids Co-Op creates an outdoor learning community where children across their whole childhood journey can explore, discover, and grow academically and socially through hands-on experiences. We partner with families to support personalized learning at every stage of development, respecting each child's individual path. By meeting learners where they are and adapting as they grow, we provide a consistent educational home where children can build on their experiences year after year. Through experiential outdoor learning, we nurture curiosity, skill development, and meaningful connections that support lifelong growth.
Where learning thrives and community matters
OUR VISION
OUR VALUES
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
OUR VISION
OUR VALUES
Building a future where every child thrives
We envision a future where every child has access to education that celebrates individuality, encourages collaboration, and ignites a passion for learning. Carolina Kids Co-Op aims to be a model for community-centered education, showing that children learn best when they are supported, engaged, and given the freedom to grow at their own pace.
Where education celebrates individuality, encourages collaboration, and ignites passion for learning
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
OUR VISION
OUR VALUES
the principles that drive us
forward
Compassion: We create an inclusive, welcoming environment where every child and family feels seen, valued, and supported.
Community: We believe education thrives through connection. Families, educators, and children grow best when they learn and support one another together.
Mastery: We respect each child's individual learning journey, focusing on deep understanding, flexibility, and progress at their own pace rather than rigid benchmarks.
Innovation: We remain open and responsive, continually refining our approach to better serve our learners, families, and communities.
The core principles that shape every experience at Carolina Kids Co-Op
Morgan | ckc greenville parent
"We started CKC mid year & have been so happy with how things have been going. My kids have been doing great since starting & we’ve signed up again for the upcoming year. Both of my boys have a wonderful group of friends, instructors who care about them & have the most amazing personalities (& let’s be real, patience, haha). I’m thankful to have found a space for my kids to grow & learn in ways suitable for them, as with having kids on the spectrum, that can be difficult."
"This is my son's seventh year of homeschooling, and I had been desperately looking for a co-op that not only was affordable, but also aligned with our beliefs and values. I stumbled onto a post last summer about CKC and went to a quick meetup at Unity Park. After talking with the soon-to-be head of Greenville CKC, I was so relieved that I had found a co-op that I felt comfortable sending my child to. My son was not too thrilled about doing this, since it was completely new to him and he didn't know what to expect, but by the end of the first week, he was so excited about going. During breaks, he would bug me about when he was going back, when he'd get to see his friends again, etc. I was SO happy for him! He had spent his first six years of homeschooling sitting at a table doing book work every day, and now he was out with other homeschooled kids, and making friends that he keeps in contact with every day. I am so glad that CKC opened up here in Greenville, and love seeing it expand into other areas in the Upstate!"
Jennifer | Ckc Greenville parent
Latasha | Ckc clemson parent
"I enrolled my children in CKC this year due to ongoing issues in public school with one of them and a deep desire for my youngest to never see the inside of a public school. Since joining my son’s attitude about school time has completely changed and it has impacted our family in the best of ways. I would also like to add that one of the sweetest comments I’ve ever heard came from a little girl there when we went for our first meeting to learn about the school, she said, “Oh, I’ve never met a bully, we don’t have those here”. What a statement! We love CKC and I highly encourage parents with kids who are struggling or may just need a different way to learn to go in for one of the meeting days!"
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE CKC
When you can't find your village you build it
Jess started Carolina Kids Co-Op because she couldn't find what her daughter needed: a learning community where she could be herself, learn outside, and where their family truly belonged. So she built it. And when other families saw what they were doing, they said "this is exactly what we've been searching for."
Now CKC exists across multiple states because the need is everywhere. Parents are tired of systems that don't serve their kids. Families are craving real connection and education that honors each child's journey.
If you've been searching for your people, your local CKC is waiting. And if CKC doesn't exist in your area yet? Maybe you're the one meant to build it.
Jess alfreds | founder and director
HOW IT STARTED
Let's Keep in Touch!
stay in the loop and subscribe to our email list
Get updated on new programs, new locations, enrollment openings, special events, and more.
You're all signed up!