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Our Story
Founding
Fall 2012
Summer Camps
Georgia and her family start hosting summer camps, including Star Spangled America and Amazing Animal Encounters Through Music! They also begin offering group piano classes.
MGMB Begins
Georgia begins lessons with her first piano student out of her home in La Plata, Maryland.
Growth
Summer 2014
Homeschool Co-op
The Especially for Homeschoolers (EFH) co-op is born and begins in Fall 2017 out of Georgia's home.
MGCAA
Georgia rebrands her in-home nonprofit to Ms. Georgia's Creative Arts Academy to encompass the newly-added art and academic opportunities.
Spring 2017
Spring 2018
Expansion
Fall 2019
The Pandemic
We would be remiss to smooth over the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on both the families we serve and our mission to help people sharpen their minds, stimulate their creativity, enrich their lives, and build community and connection through artistic, musical, and learning experiences.
As a result of the pandemic, NCAC had to move out of its downtown building, resulting in a $20K lease settlement. Music lessons continued virtually through May 2020.
NCAC
Now reaching 300+ families annually and teaching art, music, sewing, and dance, Ms. Georgia's Creative Arts Academy becomes NCAC, the Neighborhood Creative Arts Academy, and moves into its own space in downtown La Plata, Maryland.
COVID-19
Spring 2020
The Giving Fair
To bring the community together in a safe, connected way, Georgia and her team began The Giving Fair, an annual Christmas event celebrating children's ability to create and serve. With humble beginnings in a church parking lot, NCAC volunteers welcomed families and passed out craft packets for them to take home and make into gifts.
NatureFest
Though vaccines had slowed the COVID-19 pandemic and things were starting to return to a "new normal", it still wasn't quite safe to come together indoors. So, Georgia took NCAC outside. At Tilghman Lake Park, families got to experience a petting zoo, exhibits from local nonprofits and partners, animal shows, and nature crafts to create and take home.
December 2020
Spring 2021
Washington Avenue
Summer 2021
NCAC Building #2
As the "new normal" began to officially settle in, Georgia knew NCAC couldn't stay virtual. The town of La Plata leased NCAC a building on Washington Avenue, which she, her volunteers, and her family painted, decorated, and moved NCAC into.
A Fresh Start
In this new building, NCAC had a glimpse into what it could be. Students took their music lessons in the Peter Pan or the outer space room. Art lessons happened in the hot air balloon room (with hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling). An animal-themed room was devoted for waiting parents and energetic siblings. The Rotary Interact club met in the Under-the-Sea room. Walking into the finished building felt like coming home.
That is, until NCAC had to leave.
Exodus
NCAC's three-year lease was unceremoniously ended by the county two years earlier than anticipated to build a new library. Despite serving hundreds of families in the area through its programs, NCAC did not have the funds to lease another building. The story was covered by Southern Maryland Independent and dozens of families attended the Board of Charles County Commissioners Meetings to support NCAC's programs and extend its lease in La Plata.
Defending the Arts
Spring 2022
A Temporary Home
Fall 2022
Welcoming More
As NCAC's programs have continued to expand, the Especially for Homeschoolers co-op outgrew its existing space. Dr. Werner from the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) reached out to host EFH's weekly clubs.
NCAC's sister-nonprofit, Children's Voices of Southern Maryland, acts as a vendor at CSM and coaches 60+ choristers in their choirs.
[More about what NCAC has been doing]
NCAC Building #3
The Spring Dell Center of La Plata connects people with disabilities to the community and employment. After hearing about NCAC's lease situation, Donna Retzlaff, the executive director of Spring Dell, reached out to Georgia and offered her a space after their working hours.
Spring Dell's support has been critical to NCAC's continued growth and impact in the community.
Continued Growth
Personal Progress
June 2025
Dr. Georgia Ypma-Bonney
Georgia graduated from Drexel University with a doctorate in Education (EdD), after completing her dissertation: A Qualitative Multiple Case Study on How Nontraditional Learning Centers Address the Educational Needs of PreK-12 Students Through Experiential Approaches.
Between 2022 and 2025, Georgia prepared herself to better serve NCAC, its families, and the community. Throughout her program, she focused on discovering best practices for (1) supporting student learning and life skills, (b) adapting to evolving educational demands, and (c) reducing access barriers for underserved populations.
NCAC Building #4
Coming Home
Soon
By 2029, we want to physically establish the first creative arts center in Southern Maryland. We are taking active steps to acquire a property before Summer 2026, and here's how we're going to do it:
Scale: Scaling our impact in the DMV area through programs and events.
Inclusivity: Welcoming and valuing diversity in all its forms.
Collaboration: Supporting our local area's early learning hubs, K-12 programs, homeschoolers, and community college.
We're going to create something beautiful. This center will provide a safe and nurturing space for learners young and old to explore their creativity, develop essential skills, and build lasting friendships.
The best way you can help us is by sharing your story with us through a review or donating directly. By supporting this initiative, you’re helping us create a brighter future for our community.
We are SO excited for what the future has in store.
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