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
Dalton and her family began homeschooling and founded Dandelion Learning Collaborative in 2019. She has invested 20 years in education and leadership and holds degrees and certifications in Montessori, special education, language, and equity. Dalton is almost always reading two or more books. She enjoys time with family, cheering for her kids, yoga, walks, and both coffee and tea.
Victoria Cramer
Victoria brings seven years of experience in elementary education from Maryland and a passion for service to our group. She’s a certified Montessori educator with six years of experience at Schoolhouse. Victoria takes the lead with our schedule, roster, project-based learning programs, and field trips.
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
Alyssa brings 7 years of experience in special education, both in middle grades and elementary school. She is passionate about providing accessible learning experiences for students with various needs and learning styles. Alyssa played and coached softball in the past, loves to read, spend time with her daughter CJ and her husband, and go to the beach.
Nick Onorato
Working mostly behind the scenes, Nick is Dandelion Learning’s contact for all things finance. CFO of local Revival Recordings and baseball/softball coach, Nick shares his love of music and math with our community. He’s also Dalton’s husband and a homeschooling father of three.
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.
