About North Valley Ed
Our Mission and Values
At North Valley Ed we believe that children thrive when learning is rooted in real-life experiences and nurtured through meaningful connection with the world around them. Our homeschooling enrichment facility offers both part-time and full-time support for families with children from Kindergarten through Grade 9.
We are proud to collaborate with local groups, organizations, and passionate educators to provide a diverse and dynamic learning environment. Our programs are designed to support home-based education while fostering creativity, confidence, and community.
Children at North Valley Ed spend time outdoors, engage in hands-on learning, and explore a wide variety of subjects through experiential education. From martial arts, dance, and music to nature biology, carpentry, gardening, and cooking, our curriculum reflects the richness of real-world knowledge and the joy of discovery.
Whether you’re looking for consistent educational support or a vibrant supplement to your homeschooling journey, North Valley Ed is a place where curiosity is encouraged, individuality is celebrated, and every child is empowered to grow with confidence.
Our Story
North Valley Education was founded by Josh and Nichole Kitchen on their family acreage with a simple yet powerful intention: to create a safe, nurturing, and enriching learning environment for their own children and others in the local community. After the closure of a nearby school left their family without a close-to-home education option, they were faced with a difficult reality—especially for their 8-year-old son Max, who is non-verbal and autistic. Proximity, familiarity, and a calm, supportive setting were critical for Max’s well-being, and long daily bus rides simply weren’t an option.
Driven by the desire to give their children the opportunity to thrive in a secure and engaging learning environment, Josh and Nichole transformed their private property into a dynamic space for homeschool enrichment. Drawing from their experience as parents and as owners of a martial arts gym, they had witnessed firsthand the transformative power of physical activity in learning, as well as the grounding and confidence-building benefits of time spent outdoors.
Out of this vision, North Valley Ed was born: a homeschooling support program rooted in real-life learning, movement, and connection to nature. What began as a personal solution quickly grew into a community initiative, welcoming local families who were also seeking a more accessible, hands-on educational alternative for their children—especially those facing long commutes due to limited rural schooling options.
North Valley Ed now offers a variety of part-time and full-time programs for Kindergarten through Grade 9, with a rich, experiential curriculum that includes martial arts, dance, music, art, nature biology, carpentry, gardening, cooking, and more. It’s a space where children are supported, respected, and inspired to grow confidently in mind, body, and spirit—right in their own backyard.
Our Mission
At North Valley Education, our mission is to empower children to learn, grow, and thrive through real-life experiences, physical activity, and a deep connection to the natural world. Rooted in community and built with care on our family acreage, we provide a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment where every child—regardless of ability—can develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience. Through collaborative homeschooling support and hands-on learning, we aim to nurture a generation of capable, compassionate, and grounded young individuals.
Our Values
At North Valley Ed., we recognize that education is about more than just academics—it's about values and character. Our homeschool enrichment programs are designed with this belief at heart, emphasizing the importance of instilling life-long principles that help children thrive in all aspects of their lives. We focus on nurturing a positive mindset and strong values, ensuring students have a solid foundation to build upon. Get in touch with us and discover how we can help your family create a meaningful educational experience that lasts a lifetime.
01
Real Life Learning & Confidence Through Experience
We believe children learn best through hands-on, meaningful experiences that reflect real-world skills and foster practical understanding. Children are guided to discover their strengths, take on challenges, and build self-trust through doing, exploring, and creating.
02
Inclusivity and Respect
Every child is unique. We embrace diverse learning needs and create a supportive environment where all children feel seen, safe, and respected.
03
Environmental Stewardship
Time spent outdoors is essential for healthy development. We value the grounding, calming, and confidence-building power of nature in every child’s education. Kids that grow up out doors learn a deeper understanding as to why respecting nature is crucial for the future generations.
04
Movement Based Education
Physical activity is not separate from learning—it enhances it. We integrate movement, play, and body awareness into our daily rhythm.
05
Community Collaboration & Parental Engagement
We work with local educators, artists, and tradespeople to enrich our offerings and foster a sense of community and shared growth; as well as encourage parents to volunteer/give feedback to further support family-centred roots.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Passionate Staff Committed to Creating Unforgettable Experiences
Nichole Kitchen
Head Co-ordinator/Co-Owner
Certified Nutritionist, TCM Practitioner & Martial Arts Instructor
Linda Perrson
Part-Time Educator Assistant
inda Perrson is a dedicated part-time education assistant with a genuine passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. With her calm and supportive demeanor, Linda creates a welcoming environment that fosters children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Her ability to connect with students on an individual level allows her to tailor her approach to meet their unique needs, ensuring that each child feels valued and understood. Through her encouragement and patience, Linda helps to enhance their educational experience, empowering them to reach their full potential and instilling a lifelong love of learning.
Linda Lord
Full Time (Lead) Educator
Linda Lord is an experienced educator, writer, and coach dedicated to fostering growth through story, support, and self-discovery. Her work as an Education Assistant gave her a deep respect for culturally sensitive, relationship-based learning. With a background in classroom support, literacy development, and neurodiverse learning strategies, Linda brings compassion and clarity to every educational setting. As a life and creativity coach, she helps students and adults alike navigate personal challenges, build confidence, and find their voice. Drawing from her experience in both education and the arts, Linda creates safe, engaging spaces where learning and healing go hand in hand.