Orchard Learning Academy was founded by Cara Ellison and a group of investors who wanted to find an alternative way to educate students that would also bridge the gap between homeschool and college.  The premise of Orchard Learning Academy is to create life long learners out of every student whether they fit the traditional school mold or not. 

The journey that led Cara to found OLA came by way of The Teacher’s Orchard, a School Supply and Homeschool book store in Marietta, GA.  After growing out of its 1200 square foot space in 2006, The Teacher’s Orchard moved next door into a larger facility with two classrooms.  Soon the classes filled up with students, and The Teacher’s Orchard became more of a resource center for education and educational supplies.  Later, After School tutoring was added to its list of resources. 

Because of a lack of space and the high demand for classes and tutoring, Cara made the decision to separate the two entities and form a new entity called Orchard Learning Academy in the Spring of 2007. 

About Cara Ellison:

Cara Ellison has homeschooled her three boys, Neal, Brian and Alexander for 10+ years.  While she homeschooled, she taught her boys entrepreneur skills by running an EBAY used book business out of her home.  That business grew into The Teacher's Orchard, a homeschool supply store in West Cobb, Marietta.  While running The Teacher's Orchard, she started offering classes in the back room of her store which led to Orchard Learning Academy - a hybrid school for homeschoolers.  Orchard Learning Academy now has an enrollment of 184 students.  Cara's goal is to not only to supply resources and materials for homeschoolers, but to be their greatest advocate and spokes person.  She has been featured on a WSB-TV 8 o'clock special about homeschoolers.  Numerous articles have been written about her in the Atlanta Journal & Constitution and The Marietta Daily Journal.  She also has a homeschool Q&A segment once a month on FOX Newstalk 1270 AM.