Welcome to Summa Institute - Grow Together!
Summa Institute unites family development, education and research through an unprecedented child-centered, family supportive learning community where inspiration and wisdom emerge.
We are grounded in the Natural Learning Relationshipstm approach to human development. Our vision of education as it ought to be is located in downtown Portland and includes these three integrated components:
• The Summa Academy. Opening Fall 2013
A unique educational environment for students age 5-14 and their families. Using the holistic approach of Natural Learning Relationships, this private school nurtures the physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual development of its students in multi-age classrooms that have an 11:1 teacher-to-student ratio. Our Academy runs on an extended year and integrates parent enrichment as a component of every family’s experience. Enrollment is now open for the fall of 2013.
• Summa Professional Development Center. Open Now
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. This department will launch with the training of our own educators in the spring of 2013.
• Summa Research Core. In Development
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.
