About
School shouldn’t be boring! In order to ‘learn to know’ (rather than learn to memorize temporarily) kids need to be interested and invested in their own learning- not what they are told they must learn that day.
Grit and Grace Academy is a homeschool collective led by two certified Alberta teachers and moms who believe in learning that leads to curiosity and joy. A low student to teacher ratio allows for individual support on curriculum outcomes.
Our emphasis on outdoor exploration, movement, and project based learning allows students to become active and interested learners.
We believe children can do some of their best learning from one another; when given the time to play and learn in multi-age groups, children have both the ability to step into leadership and student roles amongst their peers.
Grit and Grace Academy is a homeschool collective led by two certified Alberta teachers and moms who believe in learning that leads to curiosity and joy. A low student to teacher ratio allows for individual support on curriculum outcomes.
Our emphasis on outdoor exploration, movement, and project based learning allows students to become active and interested learners.
We believe children can do some of their best learning from one another; when given the time to play and learn in multi-age groups, children have both the ability to step into leadership and student roles amongst their peers.
A day at Grit and Grace Academy may include any of the following daily activities:
Structured and free outdoor exploration
Small group math and literacy discussion and lesson
Project Based Learning and student showcase
Educational games
Guest teacher demonstrations of real life skills
Quiet reading, reflection, and handicrafts
Structured and free outdoor exploration
Small group math and literacy discussion and lesson
Project Based Learning and student showcase
Educational games
Guest teacher demonstrations of real life skills
Quiet reading, reflection, and handicrafts
Meet the Teachers
Kari Lee
I’m Kari Lee, co-founder and one of the hearts behind this unique educational endeavour of Grit and Grace Academy.
My journey into education and the great outdoors has been one shaped by a love for both learning and nature. Growing up amidst the rugged beauty near Cochrane, Alberta, I found solace and inspiration in the vast expanse of nature. Competitive sports dominated much of my youth, instilling in me the values of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience.
My athletic prowess paved the way for a remarkable opportunity: a full athletic scholarship for tennis at the prestigious University of Michigan. There, while pursuing my Bachelor's degree in developmental psychology, I delved deep into understanding the intricacies of human growth and development.
Returning home, I embarked on the most rewarding journey of my life: starting a family. It was during this time that I realized my true calling lay in nurturing young minds. Fuelled by a passion for education, I pursued my degree in education at the University of Calgary, honing my skills and expertise in teaching.
Fueled by a desire to combine my love for education and the outdoors, Erica and I dreamed of creating an outdoor-based school where children could immerse themselves in nature while cultivating resilience and critical thinking skills.
At Grit and Grace Academy, we believe in the transformative power of the great outdoors. Through exploration, challenge, and adventure, we empower our students to embrace life's obstacles with courage and determination. Here, learning extends beyond the confines of the classroom, as we foster a deep connection with the natural world.
I'm incredibly excited to embark on this journey with you and your children. Together, let's explore, learn, and grow amidst the wonders of nature, all while having a whole lot of fun along the way!
My journey into education and the great outdoors has been one shaped by a love for both learning and nature. Growing up amidst the rugged beauty near Cochrane, Alberta, I found solace and inspiration in the vast expanse of nature. Competitive sports dominated much of my youth, instilling in me the values of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience.
My athletic prowess paved the way for a remarkable opportunity: a full athletic scholarship for tennis at the prestigious University of Michigan. There, while pursuing my Bachelor's degree in developmental psychology, I delved deep into understanding the intricacies of human growth and development.
Returning home, I embarked on the most rewarding journey of my life: starting a family. It was during this time that I realized my true calling lay in nurturing young minds. Fuelled by a passion for education, I pursued my degree in education at the University of Calgary, honing my skills and expertise in teaching.
Fueled by a desire to combine my love for education and the outdoors, Erica and I dreamed of creating an outdoor-based school where children could immerse themselves in nature while cultivating resilience and critical thinking skills.
At Grit and Grace Academy, we believe in the transformative power of the great outdoors. Through exploration, challenge, and adventure, we empower our students to embrace life's obstacles with courage and determination. Here, learning extends beyond the confines of the classroom, as we foster a deep connection with the natural world.
I'm incredibly excited to embark on this journey with you and your children. Together, let's explore, learn, and grow amidst the wonders of nature, all while having a whole lot of fun along the way!
Erica Thomson
Raised just outside Cochrane, amidst the beauty of Alberta's wilderness, I developed a love for the great outdoors. Growing up, my parents owned and operated a beloved campground, where summers were spent in endless exploration alongside my brother and cousins.
I was blessed to have the opportunity to ride and show horses and honed my skills to compete at a high level in reining. These experiences instilled in me values of discipline, determination, and a reverence for all animals and nature.
Fuelled by a passion for both education and the outdoors, I pursued my studies at the University of Alberta, graduating with a degree in Education and a minor in Special Education. For five enriching years, I taught in public school elementary classrooms, and learning the importance of fostering more than just academic growth in students.
As life evolved and my own family began to take shape, I felt a deep desire to provide my own children with the opportunity to revel in the simple joys of childhood, surrounded by the wonders of nature. This calling led me to establish Grit and Grace Academy, a place where children can grow and thrive while immersing themselves in outdoor adventures.
Through immersive outdoor experiences, I strive to empower children with the confidence to explore, the resilience to overcome challenges, the leadership to guide others, and above all, the kindness to make the world a better place.
I was blessed to have the opportunity to ride and show horses and honed my skills to compete at a high level in reining. These experiences instilled in me values of discipline, determination, and a reverence for all animals and nature.
Fuelled by a passion for both education and the outdoors, I pursued my studies at the University of Alberta, graduating with a degree in Education and a minor in Special Education. For five enriching years, I taught in public school elementary classrooms, and learning the importance of fostering more than just academic growth in students.
As life evolved and my own family began to take shape, I felt a deep desire to provide my own children with the opportunity to revel in the simple joys of childhood, surrounded by the wonders of nature. This calling led me to establish Grit and Grace Academy, a place where children can grow and thrive while immersing themselves in outdoor adventures.
Through immersive outdoor experiences, I strive to empower children with the confidence to explore, the resilience to overcome challenges, the leadership to guide others, and above all, the kindness to make the world a better place.
