Julia Bergson-Shilcock and Michael Hilbert
Cupola Academy Co-Directors
On May 15th, 1972, Peter Bergson and Susan Shilcock met at a workshop Peter was conducting and there began the Bergson/Shilcock family’s launch into the world of leadership in Partnership Education. From 1972 until 1978, Peter and Susan worked diligently to merge their expertise into an educational approach that reflected their shared values of Flexible Thinking, Collaboration, and Real Work. In 1978, they opened their doors to a homeschooling resource center called Open Connections. They continued to lead the organization until Susan’s death (2005) and Peter’s semi-retirement (2007). Susan and Peter’s daughter Julia Bergson-Shilcock grew up as a self-directed learner, and witnessed firsthand the passion, drive, and expertise it takes to lead a successful organization. In 2007, Julia and her husband Mike Hilbert launched the second generation of OC leadership as they stepped into the role of co-directors. They led the organization until 2020.
Julia and Mike dreamed of taking the core pedagogy that Peter and Susan had codified over five decades ago, and bringing additional components that reflect the ever-changing landscape of the 21st century.
In 2020, amidst a global pandemic, the Open Connections Board made decisions that were not consistent with the founding family’s values or ethics.
Julia and Mike decided to establish Cupola Academy to ensure that the core philosophies of the original founders could serve as the foundation for a new generation. CA launched with the support of all members of the founding family, as well as many veteran staff members, key stakeholders, and longtime donors.
Today, CA builds on that legacy, and incorporates a focus on social and environmental justice.
Together, Mike and Julia oversee the day-to-day operations of Cupola Academy, and are supported by an experienced Board of Directors and Advisory Council, and expertly trained Faculty.
Mike and Julia are the parents of three lifelong homeschoolers (ages 16, 14, and 11), all of whom attend Cupola Academy.
To learn more about the Bergson-Shilcocks’ separation from Open Connections, please view the family statement here: https://unschooled.org/open-connections/
Cupola Academy
info@cupolaacademy.org