the land & school
COSM Academy is a sanctuary for early childhood learning, hosted on 17 acres of pristine land with a quaint brick schoolhouse. Set among beautiful wide-open fields with babbling brooks, gardens, creeks, animal stables, and forests, our school is an enriching environment that supports your child to thrive as a whole human being.
Our Teacher
Riley Bender is a beloved preschool educator and certified Forest School teacher with years of experience supporting children through play-based and child-led learning. Born here in the magical mountains of Hayesville, it has been a dream of hers to introduce children to the very same outdoors that she was raised in. As a Forest School Teacher, Riley’s goal is to create and establish an environment where each child feels a sense of belonging and comfort. She believes that nature has its own way of impacting respect, love, and compassion with educational enrichment, safe risk taking, self confidence and social skills. Nature sparks awe and wonder and brings children alive and back to their roots. When she’s not teaching, you will find her pursuing other heartfelt passions such as massage therapy, herbalism, gardening, music, and spending time with friends and family.
Seeking Second Teacher!
If you’re an early childhood educator looking to work in a supportive environment, we are currently accepting applications.
We are also interviewing for assistant teachers.
Email us at: hello@cosm.academy to apply.