Cupola Academy

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Seth Casel

At Cupola Academy, we believe that when young people and their families are given the freedom and support to create an educational journey that is both meaningful and personally fulfilling, remarkable things can happen. Seth Casel is a wonderful example of what is possible when learning is driven by curiosity, purpose, and passion.

Recently, Seth graduated from Arcadia University with a degree in English and a concentration in Creative Writing. This fall, he will continue his academic journey at Wilkes University, where he has been accepted into a combined Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Creative Writing.

Those who knew Seth during his time at Cupola may remember his unique blend of creativity, curiosity, and humor. He explored a wide range of interests, from literature and history to science and mathematics. His symposium presentation, *Detecting Statistical Lies*, challenged audiences to think critically about the information they encounter every day, while his creative writing showcased the imagination and storytelling abilities that would later lead him to pursue English and Creative Writing at the university level.

Seth also brought his personality and talents to our community in memorable ways. Whether he was engaging in thoughtful discussions, talking about baseball, or enthusiastically singing Sara Bareilles songs during a CYP retreat, he helped make Cupola a richer and more vibrant place.

Seth's story is a reminder that there is no single path to academic success. Personalized, learner-driven education can lead not only to college achievement, but to advanced scholarship, creative accomplishment, and a lifelong love of learning.

Congratulations, Seth! We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see where your writing and creativity take you next.

Congratulations to our 2026 Symposium presenters on a fantastic and engaging evening last night! Each teen presented with confidence, composure, and passion. Their self-chosen topics were as follows:

"A Place to Belong: Reclaiming Third Spaces in the Digital Age"
-Cali G.

"Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Problem with Na**lm Weaponry"
-Louk S.

"The Hidden Cost of Free Healthcare"
-Neshon L.

"Was Reintroduction Really a Good Thing? Taking a Look at the Wolves in Yellowstone"
-Noemi W.

"Ideology vs. Reality: The Evolution of Communist Experiments"
-Nancy B.

"Closing the Gap to Adulthood: Reforming Foster Care for Lasting Success"
-Callie B-H

If you're looking for a robust, secular learning community that emphasizes applied academics in a pro-social environment, we encourage you to come to our Open House this Friday, May 29th from 5:30-7:30pm. This event is free and open to prospective CA families, but advanced registration in required at cupolaacademy.org/events

Our third and final day of the CYP Retreat was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable trip to Newport, Rhode Island.

We began the day at the Audrain Automobile Museum, where the group got an up-close look at some truly incredible automobiles and even took a few laps in the driving simulator. 🚗
From there, we walked to The Elms, the stunning Gilded Age mansion built by coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind. Between the remarkable architecture and especially beautiful grounds, it offered another fascinating glimpse into Newport’s rich history and the lives of America’s industrial-era elite (Newport Mansions).

Lunch at CRU Cafe Newport was another highlight of the day — rave reviews for the lobster rolls and the tater tots! 🦞
We concluded the retreat with a visit to the Save The Bay - Hamilton Family Aquarium, where the group had the opportunity to interact with harbor life through several hands-on touch tanks. It was a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone involved. Young people also appreciate that this organization focused on rehabilitation and release🐠

Most importantly, this retreat gave the group time to connect, learn more about one another, and share experiences together in a truly special setting.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the group’s fundraising efforts throughout the year and helped make this retreat possible. Your generosity created opportunities for exploration, connection, and memories that will last for years to come.

Join Cupola Academy for our annual Family Fun Night and Open House on Friday, May 29th from 5:30-7:30. This event is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required (cupolaacademy.org/events). Tour our program spaces, see sample activities and projects, talk with Cupola Academy Facilitators, try your aim at our Dunk Tank, enjoy yummy food, and experience first-hand why Cupola Academy is a FIVE time winner of the Main Line Parent LOVE awards for Best Homeschool Resource and Excellence in Education.

Day 2 of the CYP trip to Rhode Island was packed with exploration, culture, and plenty of sunshine!
We started the day at The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame where young people had the chance to dive into the world of sailing through incredibly interactive exhibits. They designed their own boats and flags, practiced steering vessels, and even learned how to hoist sails. It was an engaging way to experience the history and innovation behind Newport’s rich sailing culture.
Next, we visited the Newport Art Museum, where the group explored stunning galleries featuring works from the current Juried Members Exhibition alongside pieces from the museum’s permanent collection.
After lunch in Newport, we made our way to Easton Beach, a favorite stop for the group. Between the soft sand, ocean views, and surprisingly warm weather, it was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the afternoon together. We wrapped up the evening back in downtown Newport with arcade games, shopping, lots of laughter, and a great group dinner. Another memorable day filled with learning, connection, and adventure!

Our CYP group is spending the next couple of days in Newport, RI on a retreat trip that they planned and fundraised for themselves! Today we toured The Breakers, the stunning Vanderbilt family home, walked the famous Cliff Walk, grocery shopped, and made dinner together. Tonight we’re wrapping up the day with games, bonding, and making memories together at the house. So proud of this group and all the work they put in to make this experience happen! 🌊

That joyful feeling when you check on the garden at and see that the strawberries 🍓 your group planted in March are ripe!

Thanks to for donating the plants, and for leading a gardening workshop for our Creative Choice and Collaborative Pod 1 youth earlier this spring.

Cupola Academy is incredibly proud to congratulate CYP members Cali, Callie, Nancy, and Noemi on earning 2nd Place in the Senior Exhibition category at the Pennsylvania National History Day State Competition! 👏

Their outstanding achievement qualifies them to represent Pennsylvania at the History Day National Competition at the The University of Maryland this June — an honor reserved for only the top two entries in the entire state in each category.

Hosted this year at the University of Scranton, the Pennsylvania State Contest brought together over 700 young historians from across the Commonwealth. We are grateful to the University of Scranton for hosting such an incredible event that celebrates inquiry, scholarship, and student voice.

At Cupola Academy, where learning is driven by curiosity, passion, and purpose rather than grades, accomplishments like this are a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when they are empowered to pursue meaningful work that matters to them.

We also want to extend a special thank you to the Chester County History Center for hosting the regional competition and for providing young people throughout our area with the opportunity to engage deeply with history, research, and storytelling through National History Day.

We are so proud of the dedication, teamwork, and scholarship these young women demonstrated throughout the entire process. Best of luck as they prepare to compete on the national stage in Maryland this summer!

During Facilitator Appreciation Week, we recognize that the impact of Cupola Academy staff extends far beyond what is visible during the program day. While their presence with young people is powerful and intentional, it represents only a fraction of their dedication. Behind the scenes, facilitators invest countless hours planning, reflecting, collaborating, and problem-solving to ensure each experience is meaningful and cohesive. From thoughtfully preparing materials to supporting individual young people and strengthening the community as a whole, their work is both intricate and deeply committed. It is this often unseen effort—driven by their unparalleled care, professionalism, and experience—that allows Cupola Academy to run with such consistency, warmth, and excellence.

Please join Mike and Julia in extending our heartfelt gratitude to our entire staff!