about us
A New Dawn
for Learning
how it all began
Our Story
Rising Sky Academy was created from one mom’s mission to build an inclusive learning environment for children of all needs and abilities. When Brittany Ursini’s oldest son struggled to find his place in the classroom, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. But she didn't focus on the labels he was given or define him by a diagnosis—instead, she saw an incredibly bright, curious, and creative child whose learning style didn’t fit the conventional mold. She searched for a school that could offer a sensory-friendly environment while also challenging him academically, but found that traditional models weren't built for children like him.
When she couldn't find the right fit for her son, Brittany turned to homeschooling and discovered something remarkable: her son thrived in outdoor environments where learning came alive through movement, play, and sensory exploration.
As she observed his growth, a vision began to take shape—one rooted in curiosity, creativity, and the unstructured joy of childhood. She imagined a school where all children—neurodivergent, twice-exceptional, or simply in need of a more personalized approach—could be seen, supported, and free to learn in ways that honors who they are.
As she connected with other families in her community, Brittany realized she wasn’t alone. Many were searching for the same thing: a place where individualized learning is enhanced through hands-on projects and nature-based exploration. An entrepreneur at heart, Brittany partnered with a team of educational consultants to bring that vision to life.
Our Name Reflects
Inspired by Thoreau’s The Inward Morning, we evoke the eastern sky at sunrise—a beginning full of light, inspiration, and boundless potential. Rooted in the rhythms of the natural world, our approach embraces the outdoors as an essential classroom. Here, we serve your child at the dawn of their development, illuminating their unique learning journey with an individualized learning plan, thoughtfully designed and colored by their radiant hues.
Our Promise
To empower confident, curious and resilient minds through individualized learning, sensory-integrated spaces, and nature-based experiences.
OUR MISSION
We allow students to explore their interests, go at their own pace, and cultivate a natural desire to learn through a curriculum that champions choice, free movement, and real world experiences.
OUR GUIDING VALUES
Freedom in Learning
We ensure that each child finds comfort and peace in their educational journey, supported by environments designed to meet their developmental needs and stimulate their sense of wonder.
Flexible Workspaces
OUR GUIDING VALUES
We foster critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills, and promote a deeper sense of learning that helps students develop essential life skills to serve them beyond the classroom.
Project-Based Learning
OUR GUIDING VALUES
We use the great outdoors as both a healing and teaching tool, offering unstructured free time to connect with the environment and deepen our students' appreciation for the world around them.
Respect for Nature
OUR GUIDING VALUES
We support a child’s intellectual growth, emotional well-being, and social development so that they flourish with confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Whole-Child Development
OUR GUIDING VALUES
Our cohorts foster peer modeling, leadership, and meaningful social interactions, while allowing each child to learn at their own pace and in a way that honors their individual strengths and style.
Mixed-Age Classrooms
OUR GUIDING VALUES
Teachers are supportive and guiding rather than dominating, facilitating each child's self-construction and fostering a community of learners who are empowered to explore, discover, and grow together.
Teachers as Guides
OUR GUIDING VALUES
We are dedicated to serving a balanced mix of neurotypical and neurodivergent students and providing individualized learning that supports every child in thriving, regardless of their unique needs.
Inclusion and Diversity
OUR GUIDING VALUES
What Makes
Us Different
SMALL CLASS SIZES
We ensure students feel seen, develop self-confidence and form deep relationships with fellow students and teachers through small, mixed-aged classrooms.
SENSORY-BASED CLASSROOMS
We create an environment that nurtures focus, self-regulation and creativity through flexible workspaces, hands-on learning materials, and calming elements.
INDIVIDUALIZED CURRICULUM
We work closely with each student to understand their unique needs and abilities and craft a personalized curriculum to guide them in their social, emotional and academic development.
CONNECTION TO NATURE
We prioritize time outdoors, using nature as both a healing and teaching tool and offering unstructured free time to nurture the body and connect with the environment.