Guided by Heart. Grounded in Purpose.
Wtèha Grove Academy (pronounced TEH-ha) begins with the Lenape word for “hearts.”
From the very start, this name has reflected our guiding belief: that early education should care for the whole child — mind, body, and spirit — and serve the family with the same thoughtful attention.
Our Beginning
Starting in October of 2023, Wtèha Grove was born from a simple but powerful idea: that every child deserves an education that truly sees them — not just as a number on a chart, but as a whole person with unique strengths, needs, and ways of growing.
As a teacher, I saw how even the best preschool systems often leave little room for flexibility — for true individualization, for thorough observation, for honoring the natural flow of childhood, and the diverse realities of families. I had seen parents express how homeschooling can feel isolating and daunting. I wanted to create something different: an experience where learning is guided by expert knowledge but shaped around the child, and where the family’s role as their first and most important teacher is deeply valued and emphasized.
The Grove brings meaningful early learning directly into the home, combining professional insight with genuine regard and dedication to honoring each child’s pace, personality, and potential.
It’s a vision shaped not only by experience, but by a lifetime of values rooted in the traditional Indigenous teachings our founder was raised with: respect for all living beings, reciprocity in relationships, and the enduring strength of community. These principles continue to guide a model that centers cherishing both the child and their family.
“When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.”
THE DALAI LAMA
What We Believe
This philosophy — that education should nurture and value the whole child — is at the core of everything we do.
At The Grove, we work in partnership with families to shape each child’s experience around their unique pace, strengths, and needs. Our approach is structured yet flexible, and based on impactful relationships, all because learning should feel just as meaningful and rewarding as it is measurable.
Meet the Founder
Galya Cooper
Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, Turtle Clan
Founder & Lead Educator
Associate of Arts in Teaching degree from Delaware Technical Community College in Elementary Education
3.5+ years of experience in the Early Childhood Education field
Certified in Pediatric CPR and First Aid
Experience with various levels of support needs, including those who are neurodivergent & with specific developmental needs
Currently has plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Weber State University, followed by a Master of Arts in Indigenous Education from Arizona State University
What Grounds Us
At Wtèha Grove Academy, these core values are the root of every decision we make, every lesson we teach, and every relationship we build:
Respect
We honor every child and family with dignity and discretion, as well as empower families to be deeply involved in their child’s learning.
Connection
Building and cultivating sincere relationships is at the heart of what we do.
Growth
We nurture each child’s undeniable capacity to become their fullest self.
Integrity
Our commitment to transparency and ethics guides every decision.
Excellence
We pursue the highest standards in education and service.
These values are more than just words. They are the principles that guide us as we build an innovative and heartfelt early learning experience.
