About Corley Correa, Founder

Embers came to life because I needed it to. As a mom of two daughters — both students here — I couldn’t find quite the right fit for our family, so I decided to create it. A place that genuinely honors childhood. That offers rich, challenging academics and long stretches of time outside. That moves at an unhurried pace and cultivates a real love of learning — not just a checklist of skills.

I have a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts Education, and I’ve taught just about everything over the years — reading, art, Spanish, and even yoga at a mental health facility. I’ve traveled a lot, and that love of language, culture, and seeing the world through different eyes shows up in how I teach. My husband and I actually taught together once upon a time, where he ran the music program — and watching what music does for kids stuck with me. It’s a big reason I’m so excited to bring musical theater, ukulele lessons, and more into Embers in the coming year.

Next year will be my third year with our older class, who’ll be moving into 2nd through 4th grade. I’ve been with most of them since the beginning, and honestly, that continuity is one of my favorite things about this whole venture. Getting to watch the same kids grow, build on what they know, and come into their own — there’s nothing quite like it.

At its heart, Embers is simple. Curious. Unhurried. No grades, no chasing trends, just a warm and consistent space where kids can ask big questions, go deep on things that interest them, and take their time. Time-tested and a little old-fashioned in the best way.

When I’m not teaching, I’m reading, writing, creating, and planning our next big adventure. I love spending time with my family — my girls keep life full and interesting. We’re out in Guthrie, slowly trying to bring some homestead dreams to life, which has turned out to be a much longer and harder process than I ever imagined — and also completely worth it. I’m a dreamer in every sense of the word, and I’ve always been deeply fascinated by dreams — the nighttime kind too. I love to write them down, sit with them, and see what they’re trying to say. At the end of the day, Embers is my biggest dream made real — and I’m so glad you’re here.-Corley