Mission & Vision
At Madison County Community Learning Centers (MCCLC), our MISSION is to create hands-on, inclusive learning environments that empower individuals of all ages to grow, thrive, and lead. We foster personal development, community engagement, and lifelong learning—making all our services accessible, regardless of financial standing.
We envision a resilient, connected community where education, well-being, and mutual support are woven into everyday life. Through our Community Learning Hub, we are building a future where people rise together, develop meaningful skills, and create sustainable, thriving lives in Madison County and beyond.
Our Initiatives
Our 501c3 nonprofit is a vibrant network of interconnected programs that work together to fulfill our mission of cultivating thriving communities by expanding access to education, nourishing food, and holistic well-being. Through farm-based learning, out-of-school programming, cultural celebration, and community-driven initiatives, we foster environments where individuals and families can grow, connect, and flourish.
Childhood Education
We are a collaborative, alternative nature school that practices Project-Based Learning (PBL). We place a strong emphasis on outdoor education, regenerative agriculture, STEAM, and eco-arts.
Community Education
We exist to empower communities through inclusive, lifelong learning to foster personal growth, civic engagement, and collective resilience.
Farm & Food
We empower communities through hands-on farm and food education to cultivate resilience, nourishment, and connection.
Community Resilience
We stand with the people of Madison County in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, fostering healing and providing a safe, nurturing space as the community rebuilds.
Our History
What evolved into Madison County Community Learning Centers was humbly brought to life in 2008 as Hot Springs Community Learning Center, offering preschool, transitional kindergarten, after school, home school support, and summer camps.
Our small educational nonprofit soon became a state-licensed childcare facility, securing and maintaining a five-star rating in all of our offerings.
Over the years, we have continued to flourish, expanding from just 10 students annually to an average of 100 students each year who now embark on their learning journeys with us.
THE SEEDS OF WOODSON BRANCH NATURE SCHOOL
In 2016, we were given a generous gift from the Cato Foundation to expand our services. With their support, we purchased a 30-acre tract of land in Marshall, NC, conveniently located on US HWY 25, just outside of Hot Springs– the new home of Madison County Community Learning Centers & our Woodson Branch Nature School.
Through this evolution, we began offering both elementary and middle grades nature school curriculum as well as after-school enrichment programs, community workshops & events, and more.
Our Campus
Students and Families All Share Access to Abundant Acreage in Rural Marshall, NC
Just 10-minutes outside of Hot Springs, NC | Where the Appalachian Trail & the French Broad River meet!
Rolling Hills
Established Blueberry Orchard
Apple Trees
Pasture
Indoor Classrooms
1800 Sq Ft., 2-Story Tobacco Barn
Pristine Forest with Trails
Three Creeks
Multiple Waterfalls Bordering a National Forest.
Outdoor Classrooms
Giving
What sets Madison County Community Learning Centers (MCCLC) apart is not just our vision or our deep roots in the community, but our commitment to transforming what education and care can look like in rural America. We proudly stand apart from convention when it means:
Believing in the whole-child approach—nurturing emotional, social, and physical development—when convention narrows education to standardized testing and rigid benchmarks.
Creating safe, nurturing, and culturally relevant spaces for youth and families when convention often overlooks rural voices and underinvests in their needs.
Centering community-led solutions and local leadership when convention defaults to top-down policies and external control.
Integrating recovery, resilience, and trauma-informed care into our everyday work when convention separates well-being from academic or workforce success.
Fostering intergenerational learning and mentorship when convention isolates education from real-life experience and community wisdom.
We know that rural communities deserve more than just access—they deserve innovation, investment, and dignity. With your support, MCCLC will continue to reimagine what’s possible—cultivating belonging, opportunity, and resilience for generations to come.
There are MANY ways to get involved!
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Stay connected to the heart of our work. Whether you're interested in upcoming events, new programs, volunteer opportunities, or stories from our learning communities, our newsletter keeps you in the loop. It’s the easiest way to stay informed, get inspired, and support what’s growing here at MCCLC.
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Come see what makes MCCLC special. Nestled in the mountains of Madison County, our campus is home to nature-based classrooms, community gardens, and spaces built for curiosity and connection. Whether you're a prospective family, a community partner, or just passing through, there's nothing like experiencing the magic in person. We’d love to show you around.
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Looking for a space that feels alive with possibility? From workshops and birthday parties to community gatherings and retreats, our campus offers a unique setting rooted in nature, creativity, and connection. If you’re dreaming up something meaningful, we’re here to help you bring it to life.
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Volunteering at MCCLC is a meaningful way to support local children, families, and community programs. Whether you’re helping in classrooms, working on the farm, or sharing your unique skills, your time makes a real difference. Join us and become part of the village that helps our community grow and thrive.
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Invest in something that matters. As a business or individual sponsor, your support helps fund scholarships, expand programming, and keep our community thriving. Sponsorship is more than a donation—it’s a way to align your values with impact that lasts.
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We believe collaboration is how communities thrive. Whether you're an educator, nonprofit, local business, or creative visionary, partnering with MCCLC opens the door to shared resources, aligned missions, and deeper community impact. Let’s build something beautiful together.
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