Welcome to the Summa Institute

The Summa Institute is the first family-centered private school and professional development center in Portland, Oregon grounded in the Natural Learning Relationships^tm approach to human development. At Summa Institute parents, children, and teachers are engaged in a sustained intentional effort to connect, inspire, and nurture.

Here’s how we do it:
• The Summa Academy
A unique educational environment for students age 5-14 and their families. Using the holistic approach of Natural Learning Relationships, the Academy nurtures the physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual development of its students in multi-age classrooms that have a low teacher-to-student ratio. Coming fall 2012.

• Summa Family & Professional Development Center
A rich resource of continuing education and training for professionals interested in fully nurturing the children in their care. The center offers seminars, workshops, retreats, internships, and materials for teachers and counselors.

• Summa Research Core
A formal framework for analysis, evaluation, and improvement of our Natural Learning Relationships pedagogy and family programs. The Research Core shares results and findings with families, scholars, policymakers, and the public.

We will open our doors in the fall of 2012 - we hope you will join us!