A Learning Community Rooted in Presence, Purpose, and Possibility: Building KOLA by Boost BC

KOLA began not as a business concept, but as a deeply personal endeavour. It started with the curriculum its founder was creating for her daughter. Like many parents, she found herself questioning what children truly need in order to thrive as whole, capable humans. As it turned out, her greatest inspiration came from her child. It was her daughter who suggested bringing the work into an in-person setting rather than offering it online, a decision that became foundational to KOLA’s identity.

What KOLA recognized early on was that families don’t need another curriculum alone but they need consistency, presence, and a supportive community. At KOLA, learning is intentional and relationship-driven. As Emily herself says “ Years from now, I want families to say: this was a place that nurtured capable, happy, contributing humans, grounded in themselves and connected to their community”. Students are encouraged to explore, question, and grow with purpose, while families receive guidance and access to resources that genuinely support their everyday lives. The program’s framework is designed to guide children from childhood into adulthood, preparing them for college, careers, and life without sacrificing joy, curiosity, or a sense of self. The long-term vision for KOLA is rooted in impact rather than metrics. Years from now, Emily hopes that families will say this was a place that helped nurture capable, happy, and contributing humans.

KOLA serves children and youth ages 6 to 18, many of whom are neurodivergent, anxious, gifted, or simply not thriving within conventional school environments. By working with families who access education funding and other supports, KOLA ensures that participation is accessible to many with little to no out-of-pocket cost. This commitment to accessibility reflects a core belief that education should reduce barriers, not create them.

One of the most defining features of KOLA is its intentionally small scale and integrated approach. With a maximum enrolment of 16 students and an average ratio of one adult to every eight learners. Emily mentions that “ Our program blends BC curriculum with forest school principles, social-emotional learning, and real-world skill building, drawing from the strongest elements of Reggio, Waldorf, and Montessori, to create an intentional learning framework”. Allowing KOLA to remain responsive, relational, and flexible. This structure allows educators to truly know each student along with their strengths, challenges, interests, and learning styles, and adapt in real time to each child. 

Learning at KOLA is grounded in the outdoors but also carefully designed with reliability in mind. When weather conditions shift, learning continues indoors in community spaces. This consistency ensures families can depend on the program without the stress of last-minute changes or disrupted schedules. Supporting families in practical, everyday ways is not an added benefit but it is a foundational part of how KOLA operates. Emily says that one big thing that makes KOLA different is “Supporting families in practical, everyday ways is a core part of how KOLA shows up”. Truly Setting KOLA apart. 

Located in the Okanagan, KOLA is deeply shaped by its surroundings. The Okanagan’s natural landscape invites curiosity and movement which align seamlessly with KOLA’s day-to-day approach. As Emily says that at the same time “ this region also holds a strong mix of innovation, entrepreneurship, and families actively seeking alternatives - not because they’re anti-school, but because they want something healthier and more responsive”.

Building KOLA in this region has been a deliberate choice for Emily. The values of nature, connection, and creative problem-solving are reflected in the families who find their way to the program. There is a shared understanding that education can be both rigorous and humane, structured yet flexible.

Looking ahead, KOLA is focused on thoughtful growth. Over the coming year, the organization is excited to expand enrolment and build meaningful partnerships with organizations that share a commitment to supporting children and families. Collaboration is seen as essential to strengthening both the program and the wider community.

At present, the most meaningful support KOLA can receive is awareness and connection. Many families are still unaware that programs like KOLA exist.

Visiting the KOLA website, sharing information with educators or support professionals, and follow along on Facebook.

BoostBC Local Spotlights shine a light on the entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community builders who make BC stronger, more vibrant, and more connected. We share these stories to amplify local voices, inspire the next generation of business owners, and encourage everyone to shop and support locally.

Know a standout local business, founder, or organization doing great things in your community? Nominate them for a feature here: boostbc.ca/localspotlights