In the northern reaches of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—where Lake Superior winds shape both landscape and lifestyle—a quiet transformation in education is taking root. At Copper Island Academy, learning looks and feels different. There is movement. There is trust. And perhaps most strikingly, there is joy.
That transformation didn’t begin with a strategic plan or a mandate. It began with a question.
A Community at a Crossroads
In 2020, as schools across the country wrestled with uncertainty in the wake of COVID-19, families in Calumet gathered—not just to discuss logistics, but to rethink education itself. What started as a conversation about pandemic schooling quickly became something more profound.
“There were about 50 families in the room,” said Director of Operations and Instruction Matthew Laho. “And it became clear—this wasn’t just about getting through COVID. People were looking for something fundamentally different.”
That “something different” would eventually take shape through the Finnish model of education—a system globally recognized for its emphasis on student well-being, autonomy and deep learning.
Choosing a Model That Fits
Rather than rushing into implementation, the leadership team—including Director and Superintendent Nora Laho—did something many reform efforts skip: They listened.
Families identified what was working, what wasn’t and what they hoped school could become. From there, Nora Laho researched multiple instructional models—Montessori, hybrid approaches, and more—before landing on the Finnish framework as the best alignment.
“In a region with strong Finnish heritage, it resonated culturally,” Matthew said. “But more importantly, it aligned with what our community wanted for their kids.”
Within a year, Copper Island Academy launched as a charter school with nearly 280 students—a remarkable start that signaled both urgency and belief.
The Architecture of Joy
At the heart of the Finnish model are five “ingredients of joy”: well-being, belonging, autonomy, mastery, and mindset. At Copper Island Academy, these are not abstract ideals—they are daily practices.
Well-being begins with structure. Students engage in 45 minutes of focused instruction followed by 15 minutes outdoors—every cycle, every day.
“It’s the piece that surprises people the most,” Matthew said. “You think you’re losing instructional time. But what you gain in engagement and efficiency far outweighs it.”
Teachers report fewer disengaged students, fewer behavioral issues and classrooms that feel energized rather than fatigued.
Belonging and autonomy are cultivated early. Even kindergarten students are trusted to move independently through the building once routines are established.
“They don’t line up single file to go everywhere,” Matthew notes. “We’re building independence from the start.”
Mastery expands beyond academics. Students explore culinary arts, construction, music and physical education—discovering strengths that traditional models often overlook.
At the same time, academic instruction is highly targeted. Using frameworks like Marzano’s critical concepts, teachers meet students precisely where they are—whether that means reinforcing foundational skills or pushing beyond grade-level expectations.
From Theory to Practice
Implementing a model this distinct requires more than enthusiasm—it demands expertise. Copper Island Academy partnered with Tim Walker, an American educator who taught in Finland for eight years and authored “Teach Like Finland.”
Walker provides ongoing professional development, helping staff translate philosophy into practice—from classroom culture to instructional design.
The school also collaborates with Debbie Rhea of Texas Christian University’s LiiNK Project, a national leader in structured outdoor learning and brain breaks.
The result? A model that is both research-informed and locally grounded.
A Culture You Can Feel
Visitors to Copper Island Academy often notice something intangible the moment they walk through the doors.
“You can feel it,” Nora said. “There’s an energy here—a sense that students want to be here.”
That feeling is reinforced by strong community partnerships. Local businesses open their doors for student visits, donate resources and serve as guest experts. Families remain deeply engaged, not just as supporters, but as co-creators of the school’s vision.
Lessons for School Leaders
For administrators considering innovative instructional models, the Lahos offer practical, grounded advice:
- Start with well-being. Brain breaks are a high-impact, low-barrier entry point.
- Build student autonomy early. Small shifts in trust can yield big gains in responsibility.
- Engage your community deeply. Sustainable innovation is co-owned, not imposed.
- Focus on alignment. The “best” model is the one that fits your context.
“Don’t try to do everything at once,” Matthew said. “But do start with something that will make a visible difference for kids right away.”
Looking Ahead
Now serving students from kindergarten through 10th grade—and expanding each year—Copper Island Academy continues to grow, largely through word of mouth.
Perhaps that’s the most telling indicator of success.
In a time when many schools are searching for engagement, Copper Island has found it—not through more mandates or minutes, but through a simple, powerful recalibration:
What if school felt good?
What if learning was joyful?
In Calumet, Michigan, those questions are no longer hypothetical. They are being answered—every 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes outside.