History of Summa Institute

Summa Institute was founded in 1985 to promote positive, healthy development in children and adults. Since its founding, it has brought awareness of child development to thousands of parents and teachers through programs for children, families, and schools.

Founded originally as a platform for Natural Learning Relationships^TM, an innovative theory of human development, Summa Institute pioneered the field of whole family experiential learning, including Family Camp, Family Weekend, Family Retreat, and Family Enrichment Programs.

Some milestones:

• Established as a California non-profit in 1985 as Center for Educational Guidance
• Received IRS 501(c)(3) designation in March of 1986
• Opened a 120-acre learning center in California in 1995
• Changed named to EnCompass - The Center for Natural Learning Rhythms in 1998
• Relocated to Portland, Oregon in 2003
• Became Summa Institute in 2010