We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Hunter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honey Haven Academy was founded in 2024 with one simple belief: Children deserve an education that truly meets them where they are.

After years of working in traditional school settings, I consistently saw a gap between what children need to thrive and what many classrooms are able to provide. I knew there had to be a way I could prioritize connection, hands on learning and individual support.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Honey Haven Academy we believe education should nurture the whole child. Our students are taught based on their individual academic levels, not an assigned grade level! We help students cultivate a strong sense of identity, develop life skills and build a foundation for lifelong learning without having to sacrifice the joys of their childhood!! Our classrooms are intentionally small, allowing for meaningful relationships, individualized attention and a calm, supportive environment. Honey Haven Academy is more than a school. It’s a community built on trust, connection and a shared belief that there is a better way to educate our children!

Our mission is to create a space where children feel safe, supported and excited to come to school every single day! We are committed to providing an education that nurtures both academic success and emotional well being.

Honey Haven Academy believes children should never have to give up their personalities or the whimsical joy in their childhood to obtain an education.

Social & Emotional Learning
Project Based Learning
Arizona State Standard Academics
These are all combined throughout student’s daily routines.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would absolutely take them to see Honey Haven, of course! And then, hit the farmers market in Downtown Gilbert! This place has absolutely everything you can think of!! Enjoying unique and yummy treats while seeing homemade things, nearby businesses and of course allllllll the fresh pros!! Afterwards we could walk over to Postinos and enjoy a nice lunch! My personal favorite is their bruschetta board, oh my goodness!!! I want it right now. And to finish off our afternoon, we could walk around and enjoy some of the ice cream shops on the strip or possible live music at The Park. This area just has such a cozy, family, friendly feel to it! It doesn’t matter if you’re at brunch for a bachelorette party or you brought your kids out of the house for your sanity. Everyone is kind and happy to be out and about!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In 2023, I had the opportunity to lead a micro-school where I was able to bring this vision to life! I watched students grow, not only academically, but emotionally and socially in ways I had never seen before.

As that establishment came to a close, families expressed overwhelming support for my approach to learning and encouraged me to create a school of my own.

That encouragement became the foundation of Honey Haven Academy!
Without them, we would not be where we are today!

Website: https://Www.honeyhavenacademy.org

Instagram: HoneyHavenAcademy

Facebook: HoneyHavenAcademy

Image Credits
Honey Haven Academy

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