Our Story
When I began Dandelion Learning Collaborative in 2019, I’m sure I didn’t know that I was launching a microschool, I was just trying to solve a couple of problems that had become overwhelming for me and my family.
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What’s In The Name?
Dandelions are remarkable in many ways: they have distinct stages of development, provide unique health benefits for humans and the ecosystem, and show extreme resilience, thriving both where they are planted and where they are needed for the good of the natural environment.
Dandelions, in nature, are known as a “pioneer species.” They are uniquely able to grow and thrive in places where others cannot. Their seeds disperse because they cannot grow in the shadow of other dandelions. Dandelions need only the basics to thrive. They are the first plants to grow where humans have caused damage – construction sites, parking lot, sidewalks, places where soil has been stripped and compacted
They’re also the first to grow in naturally barren landscapes. Dandelions cast down deep taproots that break up soil and pull calcium from the earth, as well as wide-spreading roots that aerate the earth, reduce erosion, and add potassium, nitrogen, and iron from their own growth.
Dandelions are both independent and community-minded. They use their unique skills to spread out and create better places for both themselves and others to grow. It is because of the work of dandelions that wild, diverse meadows can thrive.
Some plants with survival skills like dandelions become oppressive. Once they gain a foothold in an area, they spread across broad territories, claiming space only for plants like themselves – kudzu, Spanish moss, and stiltgrass come to mind. Unchecked by a balanced ecosystem these plants bully and dominate the landscape. Not Dandelions, they dig deep and create new space for a diversity of new plants and animals; they welcome and prepare the land for others, creating wild and harmonious environments.
What We Believe
At Dandelion Learning Collaborative, we believe that:
- Radical inclusion serves all, and this is best done when all teachers serve all children and all children share meaningful experiences
- Learning belongs to the learner; we do not measure, compare, or force learning – but we do celebrate, notice, observe, support, and document
- Every human should have access to autonomy, confidence, and belonging
- When trusted and given choices, support, and guidance from caring adults, children will preserve their own sense of wonder, curiosity, self-discipline, empathy, and motivation.
- Peace education is a key to personal and academic growth – peace education principles equip young people to take ownership of their own growth, practice empathy and self-regulation, manage conflict, think critically, engage in personal reflection and service, and recognize their own responsibility to themselves and others.
- True collaboration and community support comfort, growth, and autonomy for all.
Dalton, Our Founder’s Story
Together with my kids, I opened Dandelion Learning Collaborative in our dining room for the 2019–20 academic year. Twelve kids, seven families, meeting three days a week. We built a curriculum, a calendar, a framework, field trip traditions, a community—and we started learning together in a new, smaller, more perfect way. Everyone was homeschooling for a different reason—faith, choice, discontent in public schools, or a learning difference that made a conventional classroom not an option.
We decided to leave our HOA neighborhood so we could expand Dandelion, just a little bit, in the spring of 2019. The first big COVID closure was announced the night before we toured the home we ended up buying for that purpose—a little rancher on an acre with a detached garage that we finished over the summer, leaving the doors on so we could operate as an open-air Schoolhouse.
We built a stronger community. I got to see just how time in nature could build connections for and between kids. We played in the pond. My children got chickens and bunnies. We added more Montessori materials. I expanded academic choices for kids.
My brother and sister-in-law—a sixth-year elementary school teacher then teaching first grade online—visited in the spring. She helped us paint the rainbow fence and spent three days in the Schoolhouse. I talked Victoria into joining me as a teaching partner for 2021. Another mother from the same school and dear friend, now homeschooling too, joined us. Martha also became part of the staff.
Our group grew, COVID relaxed, and repeat events became traditions—a fall field trip to the Museum of Life and Science, a Gratitude Potluck, caring for a family during the winter holidays, a Valentine’s visit to seniors, and a Talent Show in the spring.
In the summer of 2023, we added a deck and expanded seats. Mary, a retired school leader, and Kathleen, an autism specialist, joined the team.
By 2025, the deck wasn’t enough anymore—Dandelion needed more space. Lucky ducks that we are, one email to a church just down the street secured us a lease on a new building on an acre with a playspace—and new paint, siding, playground, and deck too! The church, generous in its support, also welcomed our secular programs, and its practice of universal acceptance and affirmation aligns with Dandelion’s.
And now, we’re in a rhythm—the traditions are in place, the Spiral Curriculum flows. We’ve been working together with kids and families in this way for over seven years, and in schools in general even longer. We see the contrast with what we share with children—our goals, our learning, and a warm, welcoming environment that nurtures their interests and growth.
We keep it small. We refine our work. We celebrate being part of a unique community where learning truly belongs to the learner, personal growth and success are noticed and nurtured, and the entire group benefits from diversity in all forms.
Dalton Onorato
Hi, I’m Dalton, the founding director of Dandelion Learning. We began homeschooling and opened Dandelion in our dining room in 2019 when my older children were in third and fourth grade and after my 16th year in the classroom. I hold graduate degrees in elementary and middle school teaching, Montessori, special education, language, bilingualism, and equity. I love getting to learn with my children and others in the Schoolhouse and I’m very grateful to get to teach in the way I imagined when I was a new teacher. I really like to read and write both in Schoolhouse and in my personal life. At home, I enjoy time with family, cheering at my kids’ games, yoga, walks, tending our wild garden, riding my bike, and both coffee and tea.
Victoria Cramer
Hi, I’m Victoria, Program Coordinator and another lead teacher in the Schoolhouse. I’m a Montessori and NC Certified elementary educator who was a public classroom teacher for seven + years before joining Dandelion. This will be my sixth year in the Schoolhouse. I bring a passion for service, creativity, and organization to the Schoolhouse. I’m the proud Mom of two young children and can often be found adventuring with my family, working in my garden, or reading a good book.
Mary Golden
Mary is dedicated to meeting the needs of all students and committed to a progressive, student-centered approach to teaching and learning. Mary leads our literacy workshops and brings extensive classroom and leadership experience to our community. A few of her favorite things are family, travel, the beach, and hockey!
Martha Parrish
Martha shares her love and interest in plants and animals with the group. She is also her family’s homeschool administrator and parent of three Schoolhouse members. With six years of experience in the Schoolhouse, Martha is often found in our garden, creating art, and supporting our youngest learners.
Alyssa Whitley
Hi I am Alyssa! I’m the lead teacher for our STEAM Programs, you’ll find me in Schoolhouse meetings too! I am a certified k-12 special education and k-6 general education teacher with 7 years of experience in inclusive education settings in public schools. This is my second year at Dandelion Learning Collaborative, and I love helping our students grow in confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. I am grateful to be part of a community that values relationships, creativity and meeting each child where they are. I played softball in college, love to read, spend time with my daughter CJ and my husband, and go to the beach.
Nick Onorato
Working mostly behind the scenes, I’m Dandelion Learning’s contact for all things finance. CFO of local Revival Recordings and baseball/softball coach, I share a love of music, sports, and math with the community. I’m also a great party coordinator and our DJ assistant at the dance. I’m also Dalton’s husband and a homeschooling father of three.
Jennifer Cyr
Hi, I’m Jennifer, lead teacher for our morning Montessori Schoolhouse programs.
I was born and raised in Central Florida, but my husband, Tony, and I started a cross country road trip back in the summer of 2019. We enjoyed the trip so much we didn’t want it to end, so we have since lived in 5 states in 7 years. Our most recent move has brought us to Louisburg. We moved here this spring and I am absolutely thrilled to be starting this new adventure as a guide at Dandelion.
As you can imagine, I have worked with a myriad of Montessori schools and each one is special in its own way, much like Dr. Maria Montessori herself. I was introduced to Montessori shortly following my graduation from the University of Florida and immediately fell in love. I started with elementary, but have worked with every age level for over 25 years.
I completed my certification in Primary with NAMC and love teaching all areas, but my favorite is culture and science. I also have experience with Love n’ Logic (a classroom management style that empowers students through peace and choices) and Music Together (a music program which encourages parent participation).
We have three girls, our daughter Maddison (lives in AZ) and two bonus girls, Madeline and Michelle (live in FL). We also have three fur babies: our dog Brady, Bernie our cat, and our bunny Blue Thunder (and yes, she’s named after a monster truck).
Giving Back and Community Is Our Core
- At the global level, we are organizational members of the Alliance for Self-Directed Education. As members, we are able to interact with, learn from, and do good work alongside other international schools and community organizations towards a shared mission: normalizing and legitimizing educational programs that encourage natural ways of learning.
- Our educators are also members of the American Montessori Society. This gives us access to resources, accreditation tools, and another network of educators invested in Montessori practices.
- Our membership with Kids for Peace is both global and local. As global members, we join in a greater mission with children’s clubs across the world to “build a community of kind, compassionate, and empowered young people who are uplifting the world through love and action.”
- We also share community projects each season, including:
- Annual Food Drive for the Tri-Area Food Pantry each fall
- Sponsoring a Local Family for the Winter Holidays
- Visiting Seniors and throwing a Fundraiser Dance for Valentine’s Day
- Spring Stream Cleanup
- Summer Homeschool Field Day.
- We are members of the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce
- We are also sponsors for Wake Forest Parks and Rec and Downtown Wake Forest, often providing stay-to-play and learn booths and local events.
