School Around Us

School Around Us is an innovative participatory co-learning community that provides year-round, connecting, and meaningful educational experiences rooted in exploration and play, holistic education, and democratic decision-making practices that include learners in program design and community governance.

Our programs promote a combination of learner-driven and teacher-led educational experiences that encourage the growth of self-directed curiosity while providing a balance of structure and freedom. We trust our learners and allow them the time and space to explore themselves deeply, grow at their own pace and develop their whole selves. Learners are included in participatory decision-making processes to inform our structure and programming and resolve conflicts, which helps to promote a sense of ownership and accountability. Our Holistic curriculum accents integrated studies across our eight domains of learning, guiding youth to understand the interconnectedness of knowledge and emphasizing their personal development in relation to the world around them.