Cruz Kids
A Santa Cruz Based Micro-School
Founded by a mom driven to protect, teach, and nurture her kids — and reimagine what education can be for all
About Us
Who are you?
Hi there, i'm Sheyna Burns a UCSC student, single mom, educator, grassroots leader, Environmental Commissioner for Santa Cruz County District 5, and an environmental scientist/ engineer creating a safe, holistic space for my kids to learn and grow.”Why did you start Cruz Kids?
We left traditional education in Santa Cruz County to protect my children’s joy, curiosity, and well-being. After they endured racial bullying, I chose to build something better — a space where they are safe, celebrated, and empowered to thrive.
What makes your school unique?
Our program is rooted in an Earth-centric, regenerative, hands-on curriculum that honors culture, creativity, and care for the Earth. We blend science, art, and environmental stewardship to show students that learning is interconnected and alive.Like the historic Oakland Community School, we view education as liberation, nurturing the whole child through community, self-determination, and love. Our learning model is movement-based, integrating soccer, dance, and yoga to connect mind and body.We don’t use traditional grades; instead, students grow through tiers of mastery that honor individual pace and progress.Above all, we emphasize critical thinking, teaching children not what to think, but how to think, so they can question, create, and contribute to a more just and regenerative world.
Curriculum Snapshot
The Connected World Curriculum is a 12-week pilot program that teaches ecology, creative expression, and leadership through literature such as The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and Brown Girl Dreaming.Students explore aquaponics, art, movement, and community service discovering that science, culture, and compassion are deeply connected.Our learning framework is built on four core pillars:Connection · Creativity · Culture · EarthworkEach pillar guides how we learn, live, and lead, nurturing thinkers, creators, and Earthworkers who understand that education is a living ecosystem.
Future Vision & Funding Path
I’m currently applying for the 2025–26 Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP) Start-Up Subgrant under the Planningand Implementation categorie to explore potential state support for this work.While I’m pursuing this opportunity to strengthen infrastructure and research capacity, my long-term goal is to operate as a private micro-school, one that remains independent, community-driven, and guided by principles of creativity, sustainability, and whole-child learning.
Coming Soon Visual Portfolio
We’re building our Learning Gallery, where you’ll soon be able to see glimpses of our world,
photos of curriculum pages, student journals, art projects, and moments from our garden classroom.Each image will reflect our guiding belief:“Education should move like nature, flexible, cyclical, and connected to life.”Check back soon to watch this space grow.
Support & Partnership
You can help us grow this dream — one rooted in care, creativity, and community. Every contribution helps us expand our homeschool pilot into a lasting learning space for youth and families.Ways to Get Involved:Donate: Support our pilot.Partner: Collaborate or sponsor curriculum materials, equipment, or student projects.Volunteer: Share your time and skills in STEM, art, gardening, or storytelling.Together, we can cultivate a model of education that nurtures curiosity, connection, and possibility.
Kai (Age 14)
Curiosity in motion — always building, growing, and discovering.
Carmen (Age 11)
Leading with creativity, confidence, and care.
Connect
I’m just a mom building the world my children deserve.
If I don’t, who will?Help me continue this work by donating today. Your support helps this dream grow, thank you for being here.
© CruzKids