The Solstice House
Belong Completely. Learn Deeply. Rise Freely.
The Solstice House is a joyful, neurodivergent-affirming, culturally inclusive, and secular learning community for mixed-neurotype, elementary-aged kids. Here, creativity runs wild, curiosity leads the way, and belonging is the foundation for everything we do.
We celebrate culture, individuality, and the beautiful diversity of minds that make our world shine. Through hands-on projects, social-emotional learning, and outdoor exploration, kids grow confidence, friendships, and a deep love of learning.
This is more than an alternative to school—it’s a place where learning feels like play, differences are celebrated, and every child can return to themselves and shine.
Powered by Rise Community
The Solstice House is proudly powered by Rise Community — a soon-to-launch international network created for NeuroUnique families to connect, learn, and grow together.
Like the solstice itself, Rise celebrates the rhythm of returning to our light—again and again. Through resources, workshops, and curated groups, we’ll help families find their people, fill their cups, and rediscover the joy of learning and living through the wonderfully bright, messy, magical lens of NeuroUnique-ness!
A rhythm for living, learning, and becoming.
The Solstice Philosophy is the root system of everything we do — the foundation of RISE Circles, Solstice House programs, and the rhythms families can take into their homes and lives.
It is built on one essential truth:
The Solstice Philosophy
People grow in seasons, not schedules.
Children, teens, adults, families—every one of us grows through cycles of expansion and rest, light and shadow, inward gathering and outward blooming. This is a universal rhythm, honored across nature and honored within the Solstice ecosystem.
At RISE Community, this understanding becomes a pillar of the healing journey:
we recognize that belonging, connection, and regulation emerge through relationship, not timelines.
At The Solstice House, this same truth becomes the foundation of how we teach, support, and design our days for kids:
a philosophy that shapes every rhythm, every learning moment, every interaction.
Below are the guiding elements of the Solstice ecosystem.
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1. Light Returns, Again and Again
People don’t grow on a tidy schedule.
They grow in spirals — two steps forward, one sideways, sometimes a nap in the middle.Some seasons are bright and energized.
Some are quiet, slow, or “I need a minute.”At Solstice, we don’t rush kids, force progress, or push them into timelines that don’t match their nervous systems.
We create space, safety, and connection —
because that’s where real growth actually happens.2. Darkness Is Not the Enemy — It’s Information
Everyone has off days. Emotional days. “Nope” days.
These aren’t misbehaviors — they’re signals.Winter gives us rest.
Shadows give us reflection.
Quiet gives us clarity.We treat emotional moments as communication, not problems to fix.
Kids aren’t punished for being overwhelmed — we meet them where they are and help them understand what their bodies are telling them.3. Community Is the Hearth
Humans learn best in relationship — especially neurodivergent humans.
Whether it’s a RISE Circle or a Solstice House pod, we create warm, steady communities where kids feel safe, valued, and understood.
We mix neurotypes, respect differences, and celebrate quirks.
Everyone brings something to the fire:the thinkers
the feelers
the quiet observers
the big imaginations
the sensory seekers
the kids who ask 200 questions before breakfast
Every spark matters.
Together, they make the constellation.4. Learning Is a Living Cycle
Learning isn’t a straight line — it’s a rhythm.
Kids move through natural cycles:
Discovery — “Oooh, what’s that?”
Exploration — wandering, touching, trying
Creation — building, making, expressing
Reflection — processing, integrating
Rest — breathing, regulating, resettingWe don’t cram learning into rigid blocks or force it to happen on command.
We follow the child’s rhythm and the season’s rhythm — because those are the ones that work. -
1. Growth Moves in Cycles
Kids don’t grow one way, one pace, or on one timeline.
We honor bright seasons, slow seasons, inward seasons, and “please give me space” seasons.
We shape learning around the child — not the other way around.2. Regulation Comes First
A dysregulated child isn’t misbehaving — they’re overwhelmed.
Connection, movement, co-regulation, and sensory support always come before academics.
When the nervous system feels safe, learning blooms naturally.3. Community Creates Stability
Kids learn best around people who get them.
RISE Circles and Solstice House pods offer steady relationships, mixed-neurotype belonging, and real-time practice in communication and empathy.
Belonging is the soil where confidence grows.4. Nature Restores Balance
Nature lowers stress, expands tolerance, and gives kids room to breathe.
We learn outside, with the seasons, where regulation happens organically.
The outdoors isn’t an “extra”—it’s the classroom itself. -
RISE is the Community — the Tree that Holds Us.
RISE Circles are small, steady social groups created by parents, caregivers, or community members.
They are the gathering places — where families connect, kids feel understood, and belonging takes root.This is the nest, the meadow, the “you’re not alone” part of Solstice.
Community first. Always.Solstice House is the Learning — the Blossoms That Grow When Needed.
Solstice House grows from the same philosophy, but offers something different:
a daily rhythm, a grounding structure, nature-based academics, and project work for kids who thrive with consistent, predictable support.Not every family needs the blossoms.
But for those who do, they open beautifully.Families Are the Seeds — Carriers of the Philosophy.
Some families use Solstice rhythms at home.
Some join RISE Circles.
Some enroll in Solstice House.
Some weave all three.However they grow, families spread the philosophy outward — into homes, co-ops, parks, worldschooling adventures, and future RISE circles in new cities.
Every seed matters.
Every family expands the ecosystem.
At The Solstice House, we are NeuroUnique
At The Solstice House, we see difference not as something to accommodate, but as something to celebrate.
Every child brings their own way of thinking, feeling, and moving through the world. We call this being NeuroUnique—a term that reflects the incredible diversity of human minds, including those with autism, ADHD, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), 2e/3e (twice/thrice exceptional), and other neurodivergent experiences.
While we don’t make neurodivergence the center of our public messaging, it is at the heart of how we build our community, design our days, and support each child.
With both personal and professional experience supporting a wide range of NeuroUnique profiles, we understand that true inclusion isn’t about sameness—it’s about seeing each child clearly and responding with care, creativity, and flexibility. PDA, in particular, can make traditional school or social environments feel overwhelming—even unsafe—when kids are met with rigid expectations or assumptions about how they “should” behave.
At The Solstice House, some children may need more space, more movement, more choice, or more connection before they’re ready to engage. That’s not a problem—it’s part of the rhythm.
We blend tools like Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) with lived experience and deep listening to build trust, not compliance. We don’t aim to fix kids. We aim to support them in growing into themselves — just as the solstice reminds us that every cycle is a journey of rebirth, growth, and coming home to who we truly are.
Whether your child is neurotypical, neurodivergent, or somewhere beautifully in between, they will be welcomed with curiosity, care, and compassion.
We See You, Parents
You’re doing the deep work. The quiet work.
The laundry-folding, snack-prepping, backpack-packing, emotion-coaching, meltdown-navigating, emotional triage work.
We get it — because we’re living it too.
That’s why Rise was created not just for kids, but for the whole family.
Here, you’ll find community, compassion, and a place to exhale.
The Heartbeat
The Solstice House is not a traditional school — it’s a nature-rooted, community-powered learning space designed for kids who thrive with predictable rhythm, sensory safety, and warm human connection.
Here, balance doesn’t mean stillness.
Balance means having enough structure to feel safe and enough freedom to be yourself — wiggles, deep dives, detours, and all.
Our rhythm is inspired by the solstice:
the turning of seasons, the shifting of light, and the journey of returning to your true self.
That’s why Solstice House is designed to feel like a home — calm, familiar, and filled with the hum of kids learning in ways that actually work for them.
We believe children grow best when three things work together:
Movement. Curiosity. Community.
These form the heartbeat of every day.
The Solstice House
A 3 Day a week Project-Based Learning Program for elementary-aged kids
Our Daily Rhythm
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We offer a gentle group walk to start the day — but it’s truly optional.
We understand slow mornings are sacred in homeschooling families…
and sometimes just getting out the door is the day’s first big accomplishment.If you can join us, wonderful.
If not, absolutely no guilt, no pressure, no “you’re late.”
The walk is simply a soft landing for anyone who wants movement, nature, and connection before the structured rhythm begins.Kids (and parents!) can talk, wander, scooter, stim, hold hands, or simply exist.
It’s regulation disguised as community time. -
10:00–11:00 AM — Active Hour
(Drop-off window: 10:00–10:30)
We start with connection and play — cooperative games, movement bursts, creative challenges, and social joy.This hour grounds the group, builds relationships, and sets the tone for the day:
regulated bodies, warm hearts, open minds. -
11:00–11:30 AM — Lunch
A relaxed, unhurried meal and social reset.
Kids eat, laugh, decompress, wander, chat, or simply breathe. -
11:30 AM–2:00 PM — Discovery Block
This is where the magic happens.
During Discovery Block, kids dive into PBL, workshops, creative projects, hands-on science, engineering challenges, nature study, storytelling, arts, writing labs, tinkering, building, and anything their curiosity sparks.
Everything falls under this block:
Project-Based Learning Arcs
Hands-on creation
Nature-inspired inquiry
Thematic workshops
Maker time
Collective experiments
Child-led explorations
The Solstice House becomes a hive of meaningful, joyful learning — with natural flow built in.
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2:00–3:00 PM — Free Time
The most underrated part of learning.
Free time is part of the curriculum — on purpose.
Sprinkled throughout the day—and closing each afternoon—we make space for unstructured, child-led free play in our beautiful outdoor space. These moments give kids the freedom to follow their curiosity, burn off energy, and simply be themselves. Whether climbing, building, imagining, or just lying in the grass, free play boosts creativity, strengthens friendships, and helps all bodies and minds recharge. Our day always ends with a gentle wind-down, so children leave feeling calm, connected, and content.
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Our optional after-school play & learning space (3:00–5:00 PM)
Golden Hour is the soft glow at the end of the day — a warm, unhurried space where kids can keep exploring, keep connecting, or simply settle into the afternoon at their own pace.
It’s optional, flexible, and designed to feel like an exhale.
During Golden Hour, kids can choose:
Extended Nature Play
Sand, water, dirt, trees, grass — the good stuff.Creative Workshops
Art, baking, gardening, building, crafting, storytelling — often led by community members and parents.1:1 Academic Support
Gentle, individualized reading, math, or writing help for families who want it — offered when cups are full and hearts are happy.Quiet Reset Spaces
Cozy corners, sensory tools, soft music, drawing, reading, or just resting with friends.Community Time
A place for friendships to deepen, imaginations to open, and nervous systems to stay regulated before heading home.Golden Hour is where the day softens, deepens, and glows.
TSH Structure
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Adventure Days
Real-world learning, every single week.
At The Solstice House, the world is our classroom.
Every Thursday and Friday, we head out for hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and connect kids to nature, art, and community.
We also occasionally venture out on weekends when a special event or experience only happens on a Saturday.Because sometimes the best learning happens out in the wild — not on a schedule.
Adventure Days take us to places like:
hiking trails and nature preserves
botanical gardens
tidepools and beaches
local museums and galleries
science and discovery centers
sculpture parks
community farms and gardens
cultural, historical, and seasonal events
Kids learn best by doing — moving, touching, exploring, wondering, wandering, asking, and discovering.
Parent Participation (Flexible + Supportive)
Because Adventure Days take us off-site and into the community, we ask that parents join us whenever they are able.
This helps kids feel safe, supported, and connected — especially our more sensitive or adventurous kiddos.But we also know life happens.
If a parent can’t attend on a particular day, all we ask is:- Let us know ahead of time,
and we will make sure we have enough guides, staff, and trusted community members to support your child fully.No pressure.
No guilt.
No “perfect attendance” expectations.Just communication and community — so every child feels safe, held, and cared for.
Why Adventure Days Matter
These experiences help kids:
regulate through movement and outdoor time
deepen friendships
explore interests in real spaces
learn through sensory-rich environments
build confidence and resilience
connect to their community and environment
Adventure Days are joyful, immersive, meaningful learning — the kind that stays with them long after we head home.
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Because kids flourish when community does, too.
The Solstice House isn’t just a learning space — it’s a village.
We believe children grow deeper roots when the adults around them connect, contribute, and feel a sense of belonging themselves.That’s why we host regular Community & Family Gatherings throughout the year.
These are relaxed, joyful opportunities for families to come together, meet each other, share food, create memories, and strengthen the community that holds our kids.Family Gatherings may include:
seasonal celebrations
potlucks + picnics
beach bonfires
tidepool mornings
creative art days
storytelling nights
parent circles + support meetups
community service days
skill-sharing workshops
cultural celebrations
garden planting days
Some gatherings are big, some are tiny, some are spontaneous — all are rooted in the belief that kids do better when families feel connected, seen, and supported.
There’s no pressure to attend every event.
Show up when you can, bring who you can, contribute as you are.The goal is simple:
Build a community where families feel like they belong just as much as the kids do.
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Where families join the fun, spark curiosity, and help shape the magic of Solstice House.
The Wonder Crew is our co-op family community — a joyful circle of parents, caregivers, and loved ones who help make The Solstice House feel like… well, a house.
A home.
A place where everyone belongs and everyone contributes in their own unique way.This isn’t “mandatory volunteering.”
This is community-powered learning, built on the belief that kids thrive when the adults around them feel connected, purposeful, and part of something meaningful.The Wonder Crew is:
playful
flexible
inclusive
creativity-filled
zero-pressure
totally human
Families participate as they’re able.
Everyone brings their own spark.How Families Can Join the Wonder Crew
Guides
Helping during morning walks, transitions, outdoor play, story circles, or just being a calm adult presence kids can count on.
Workshop Hosts
Sharing your passions — baking your family’s famous dessert, painting flowers, gardening, photography, music, woodworking, herbalism, robotics, fiber arts, cultural traditions… anything that lights you up.
Adventure Day Crew
Joining our Thursday/Friday outings or stepping in when another family can’t attend.
Kids LOVE seeing familiar faces on adventures.Makers, Helpers, Creators, Storytellers
The Wonder Crew brings the magic — art projects, hands-on activities, quiet support, laughter, connection, gentle guidance.
The Wonder Crew Works Because It’s Real Life
You participate when you can.
You sign up for roles that feel good.
You show up as a human — not a perfect teacher or Pinterest parent.Some families help weekly.
Some monthly.
Some only during Adventure Days or special events.
All contributions matter.Because Solstice House isn’t a just a drop-off environment — it’s a community-grown learning ecosystem.
Kids learn in the warmth of a village.
Families grow together.
Everyone belongs.
The Solstice House
Volunteers & Friends Program
Share Your Skills. Shape a Community.
Community thrives when people come together to share their time, talents, and passions. Whether it’s leading a workshop, lending a hand on field trips, or offering support behind the scenes, your contribution helps every child—and every family—at Rise grow and thrive.
Flexible Enrollment for Every Family
The Solstice House - Full Program: Launching Winter 2026 - $1,000/month – $250/week
3 days a week of learning, movement, creativity, and connection, plus Adventure Days and Community & Family Gatherings!
Weekly Enrollment: $250/week
Choose the week that best fits your child’s interests — from Arts & Culture to STEM — and join us for a full themed experience.
*Families who send aides or volunteer during program days receive half-price tuition — our way of honoring the extra time, care, and love you bring to our community.
We work hard to keep The Solstice House affordable because we know the value of a safe, supportive, and joyful place for kids to grow.
If your family shares our values but tuition is out of reach, please reach out. We believe no family should miss out on community and connection because of cost. We’ll work with you to find a way forward — whether that’s through payment adjustments, volunteer exchange, or sponsorships. We are all in this together!
We believe community and learning should be within reach for all families. Whether you join us for the full month, a single themed week, or just our community gatherings, there’s a place for you here.
Meet the Founder
Hi, I’m Candice , the heart and chaos coordinator behind The Solstice House. I’m a parent first, to a wildly brilliant, NeuroUnique kid who has been my greatest teacher and inspiration for building this community.
*Real photo, not Ai - this is just the perfect representation of our relationship!
Training & Experience
I’m a certified children’s yoga instructor, a Process and Healing Art Guide (because art is part of who we are, not just something to “teach”), and I’m trained in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and trauma-informed practices. I’ve worked in occupational therapy clinics, supported twice-exceptional (2e) learners, and collaborated with educators, therapists, and aides to bridge gaps for kids who think, feel, and grow outside the box. Alongside this, I’ve designed creative, inclusive curriculum that weaves academics, art, and social-emotional growth into one big tapestry of belonging.
Before Motherhood (a.k.a. The Other Life)
Before diving headfirst into the world of raising and advocating for NeuroUnique learners, my background was in marketing, communications, events, and nonprofit work. Those years gave me a foundation in storytelling, organization, and community-building — all skills I use daily usually while holding a cup of cold tea with my son’s voice in the background and our Australian Cattle Dog at my side!
Life Outside of Rise
I’m usually chasing sunlight — painting abstract art, snapping photos, or running (on the rare days I’m not convincing myself that walking totally counts). The beach is my happy place and reset button. At home, life is a mix of beautiful chaos — animals everywhere, projects half-finished, laundry pretending it’s modern art, and a daily dance between getting things done and remembering to slow down. Motherhood, creativity, and, let’s be honest, aging far less gracefully than I imagined, have taught me how to live in the in-between: messy, meaningful, and real.
I believe kids thrive when they feel safe, seen, and supported — and families thrive when they know they’re not alone. This community is my love letter to both.
And if you ever want to swap tea & coffee recommendations, ocean views, or random Lego-building hacks, I’m your person.
With Love & Caffeine, Candice
FAQ’S
We know choosing the right program for your child is a big decision — and you probably have lots of questions! At TSH, we value openness and want you to feel confident every step of the way. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions families ask us. If you don’t see your question here, please reach out — we’re always happy to chat.
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Our days follow a gentle, predictable rhythm that supports regulation, curiosity, and community connection — without rushing kids or overwhelming their nervous systems.
Here’s our daily flow:
• 8:30–10:00 — Optional Morning Walk
A soft landing to the day for families who want movement, nature, and community before we begin.
Completely optional — slow mornings are welcome here.• 10:00–11:00 — Active Hour
(Drop-off window: 10:00–10:30)
Games, movement, social play, and creative challenges to connect as a group and get bodies regulated.• 11:00–11:30 — Lunch
A relaxed, unhurried break to eat, talk, reset, and breathe.• 11:30–2:00 — Discovery Block
Our hands-on, project-based learning time.
Kids explore big ideas through making, building, experimenting, storytelling, nature study, and weekly workshops.• 2:00–3:00 — Free Time
Open play, rest, wandering, drawing, climbing, reading — whatever helps kids integrate and reset before heading home.• 3:00–5:00 — Golden Hour (Optional)
An optional after-school space for extended nature play, enrichment workshops, and gentle 1:1 academic support.Thursdays & Fridays are Adventure Days, when we take our learning out into the world — hiking, exploring tidepools, visiting museums, gardens, and community spaces. Parents join us when they can; if not, we make sure every child has the support they need.
Each day ends with kids feeling connected, supported, and centered — not overstimulated or rushed.
Our rhythm is designed to feel like home… just with more mud, adventure, and joy. -
Yes — absolutely! Rise was created with neurodivergent children in mind, and we celebrate the strengths and unique perspectives they bring. We use the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) method developed by Dr. Ross Greene, paired with years of hands-on experience working with kids who have autism, ADHD, PDA, and other neurodivergences. Our approach is inclusive, supportive, and designed to meet each child where they are.
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Conflict is a natural part of growing and learning together. When disagreements happen, we approach them as opportunities to practice empathy, communication, and problem-solving. We use collaborative conversations to help kids understand each other’s perspectives, work toward solutions, and repair any hurt feelings — rather than relying on punitive measures.
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We’re prepared for bumps, scrapes, and the occasional tumble that comes with active play. We have extensive first aid kits on hand at all times and years of experience tending to “owies” as both caregivers and parents. For anything more serious, we have a direct line to park security or lifeguards and 911 is just a short call away. Your child’s safety and well-being are always our top priority.
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We recommend sending your child with a refillable water bottle, a healthy snack and lunch, comfortable weather-appropriate clothing, and sturdy shoes for outdoor play. On sunny days, sunscreen and a hat are encouraged; on cooler days, layers are best. All project supplies are provided by us.
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We embrace nature in all its moods! Light rain doesn’t stop us — we simply gear up with jackets and boots and continue our activities. In heavier rain or unsafe conditions, we adjust by using sheltered spaces in the park or shifting to creative, hands-on projects that can be done under cover.
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Small groups are essential to keeping our environment safe, inclusive, and engaging. We cap enrollment to ensure every child gets personal attention and support, and we maintain a low adult-to-child ratio, especially during hands-on projects and adventures.
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Every new family begins with a meeting so we can get to know each other, followed by a free trial day. This helps ensure the program is a great fit for your child and gives them a chance to feel comfortable before committing to enrollment.
Still have questions?
We’re here for you. Whether you're wondering about the little details or the big picture, we’d love to connect. Reach out anytime — because at TSH, you're not just enrolling in a program, you're joining a community.