MISSION STATEMENT
The Freedom School Cooperative is a not-for-profit educational program dedicated to creating an alternative school environment that supports the needs and skills required of children in the 21st century and beyond. The Freedom School Cooperative will operate as an alternative educational program that enables children to think expansively about themselves and their place in the world. The Freedom School Cooperative will provide a space for children to explore and practice being experts at life so that initiative, learning and self-responsibility, and self-actualization become life-long habits. The program will be located in or close to the Agricultural Reserve so that children will have a chance to work with ponies, goats, and organic gardens and learn about the importance of land preservation. The Cooperative intends to keep membership as low as possible so that our culture can be diverse. At The Freedom School Cooperative, all academic and non-academic pursuits are equally valid.
VISION STATEMENTS
· To create an atmosphere steeped in support, trust, and tolerance so that children are prepared for adulthood.
· To bridge the current gap in education that creates divisions between society, school and children.
· To create an environment that reflects the structure, governance and culture of society and such American ideals as freedom, citizenship, due process, individual enterprise and equal voice in government.
· To have children develop trusting personal relationships with adults and people of all ages and backgrounds.
· To provide a place that children can learn about our land and nature and have opportunities to be of service to others.
· To develop skills that keep pace with a 21st century workplace that requires self-direction, quick learning, flexibility, divergent thinking, initiative and leadership.
· To provide a safe place for children to overcome limitations and assumptions so that they will reach their full potential and navigate life by their inner light.
· To obtain support and funding by local foundations, business people, and private citizens in our community.
FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES
· To recognize children as life learners.
· To give the gift of independence and allow children to practice life.
· To help children think expansively about themselves and their place in the world.
· To create a place of JOY and PURPOSE where children pursue their lifework and recognize the school as their own.