Frequently Asked questions
Does my child have to have read the Harry Potter stories or other fantasy books?
For the sake of their enjoyment, we highly recommend that your child is familiar with the Harry Potter stories as they are set primarily in a school for magic, similar to Fiddleheart . The more they know about the wizarding world, the more this camp will appeal to their imagination. "Is it ok if my child has only watched the movies?" you ask. Yes, however, as we wish to instill a love of reading in our students and many wonderful details are left out of the movies, we make a big deal about actually reading the stories. If your child is not able to read the stories, we HIGHLY recommend listening to the Harry Potter audio books read by Jim Dale (which you can check out from your local public library). In fact any book that has a fantasy element is on the recommended reading list as we draw our inspiration from all sorts of myths and stories, both ancient and contemporary.
Can my 8 year old come? What about my 14 year old come?
Fiddleheart is a dream come true for many. The younger ones are already reading and loving Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, The Hobbit, Septimus Heap and so many more and are saying, Please, I want to go to Fiddleheart! I can’t wait!The older ones are super fans of the wizarding world, magic and fantasy. They spend their spare time writing fan fiction, texting their Fiddleheart friends, playing D-n-D or re-reading Harry Potter for the 23rd time. They can’t believe that they’ve aged out of Fiddleheart. They are saying, Please, I just want to go back to Fiddleheart! I love it and I’m not ready to leave! Or maybe they never got to attend Fiddleheart and are just finding out about us now and think, Oh no! I’m too late!
We approach these situations with nuance and here’s how:
If your child is 8 years old and, by the time our summer session starts in July, is close to 9 AND you feel that this camp is a perfect fit for them, reach out to the headmistress for a chat.
If your child is 14 years old at the time of our summer session in July AND is a Fiddleheart alumni who really wants to return as a Prefect, you are free to register. If you wish to consult with the headmistress, reach out for a chat.
If your child is 14 years old at the time of our summer session in July AND has never attended Fiddleheart AND you feel that this camp is a perfect fit for them, reach out to the headmistress for a chat.
We want everyone who attends Fiddleheart to have an amazing experience. Over the years, we have come to learn how each child’s developmental stage fits with what we do at Fiddleheart Academy. We have found that the sweet spot for our students is generally between the ages of 9 and 13. However, we also understand that each child is unique and moves through these developmental stages differently. So, we do make some exceptions. In order to do so, a conversation with the headmistress is needed.
What makes Fiddleheart Academy special?
Although we will be doing many of the traditional camp activities and games, they will all be re-conceived in alignment with the magical world we have created at Fiddleheart. In addition to sports, arts and crafts, and theatre, our camp will teach invaluable life skills such as how to manage fears and anxiety and how to access an inner voice of wisdom. We will also be helping the students create a stronger understanding of and caring for our natural world. Finally, all mages experience adventure at Fiddleheart which can stir up feelings of excitement, concern, bravery, curiosity, fear, anger, resolve, anxiety, joy, and triumph. At Fiddleheart, we engage with these feelings through an unfolding mystery that the school, as a whole, puzzles out and solves by the end of our two week term. These mysteries require our students to use their growing magical knowledge, curious minds and brave hearts to solve. We are a school of magic after all.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Fiddleheart Academy offers limited financial assistance for those who need it. If you need financial assistance, please fill out the form below. The headmistress will contact you after we receive your form.
What is the difference between the Muggle brain and the Magic brain?
When Fiddleheart students first arrive, we ask them to turn up their magic brains and turn down their muggle brains. In turning up the magic brain, we are asking our students to fully engage with the imaginative play of the magical world we are inventing. A glass of water is not a glass of water if the Headmistress explains that it is Ice Salamander sweat and can freeze your inner organs if swallowed; unless used properly in a potion, of course! Sometimes, the students turn up their magic brains so much that the intensity of the mystery becomes a little overwhelming. If this happens, you as a parent or guardian can remind your young mage of their muggle (or non-magical) brains. The muggle part of their brains knows we are involved in imaginative play together and that they are always unconditionally safe at Fiddleheart. We are all here at Fiddleheart to have fun on this heroic and magical adventure.
Can my child be in the same group as a friend or sibling?
You may request that your child be in the same group as a friend or sibling, but we cannot guarantee they will be together. Although the students will be sorted into 4 different houses (groups), they will have a chance to be with everyone at various points throughout the week.
On the first day, each student is sorted into a house (group). Each house will consist of no more than 13 students of mixed ages. Each house works together to earn the most house points by the end of term. For class, students will be divided by age and include members from all four houses. Some activities involve all students at Fiddleheart working and playing together.
Can my child choose the house that he or she will be sorted into?
No, that job is up to the unquestionable and befuddling wisdom of The Scaling Room which is located on the school grounds. As Fiddleheart has different founders and lore from that of Hogwarts, our houses DO NOT include Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. At the Sorting Ceremony on the first day of term, the students will learn the names, attributes and some lore of Fiddleheart's illustrious founders. We trust that the Scaling Room will choose the best house for your child and hope that you do too. We make it very clear to the students that each house is valued and that unity of the whole school is more important than loyalties to and differences between the houses. We stress cooperation over rivalry.
What is a typical day like?
A typical day starts with a morning meeting for announcements and questions. The students will then go to two consecutive classes, each 40-60 minutes. Morning classes are followed by a long lunch. The second half of the day includes a 3rd class, outdoor games and study hall during which the students have a chance to hang out in the library or practice their dueling skills. Students will have a chance to relax in their common rooms daily and we end the day with an all-school closing meeting. But, of course, this is Fiddleheart and the magical world is full of unpredictability so we never know what surprises might pop up.
How much physical activity will there be?
We will be outside daily, weather permitting. We will be playing active games. We will also be going on various outdoor excursions on the grounds. If we notice that the students are restless, impromptu wand dueling practice may be encouraged. Keep in mind, this camp includes a variety of activities including arts and crafts, theater games, science experiments and group discussion and presentations. Some are more physical than others but all will be engaging.
Does my child need to participate in all activities?
Yes, and no. Of course, most mages want to participate in all the available magical fun. All magically academic classes are mandatory however sports and games are not everyone’s cup of tea and thus other options are provided. If there is a medical reason why your child would be unable to participate in a specific class or activity, please let us know and exceptions will be made. Also, we are sensitive to needing a little downtime for our students. We have a Library equipped with books and comfy chairs which will be available to students whenever a bit of quiet R&R is needed.
What about lunch?
Your child will need to bring lunch to Fiddleheart each day. We do not have refrigeration, so pack lunches accordingly. All students should bring a labeled water bottle each day which they will be able to refill at fountains found on the grounds. Summer term is hot and we have limited access to air conditioning so drinking plenty of water is important. We do provide one snack during the day though they are welcome to get food from their lunchboxes anytime during the day as needed. Our Healer (nurse) also have drinks and snacks for those in need. Fortunately, wizards rarely go hungry.
Is there extended care available?
Yes, for the two-week summer term we are providing aftercare from 3:00-5:00pm. The fee for aftercare is $15 per day and we request that you register and pay in advance. You will be asked to pay with cash or credit card at the time of pickup if you do not pay in advance. If you need emergency aftercare, please call and we will be happy to help out.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
In the event that you cancel your registration before June 17, 2024 you will be refunded your payment less $75.00. There will be no refund after these deadlines unless we can fill your spot prior to the start of term.
Fiddleheart Academy reserves the right to cancel either 2-Week Summer Term due to insufficient enrollment. We require at least 48 students in each session for us to hold classes. In the event that we must cancel, Fiddleheart Academy will fully refund your tuition payment.
What is your tax ID number?
82-1136190
You donate to the Lenape Nation. Why?
In preparation for our inaugural year, we created the fictional history and lore of Fiddleheart Academy. Inspired by the Harry Potter novels, we created and named four founders for the school, one of whom is an indigenous person from what is now the northeastern United States. We turned to the Lenape Nation, who generously helped us figure out the best way to name this particular character. Although we are a tiny business and don’t have much to spare, we thank them with a yearly donation and support their efforts. Find out more about the Lenape Nation here.