School is Optional
because Learning is Natural
Deep Root Center offers a transformative alternative to traditional schooling for young people ages 5-19. At our Canton Center, we provide a safe, non-coercive multi-age environment where each child's innate curiosity, natural love of learning, and unique perspective drives their individual learning journey.
We support young people in pursuing their interests and goals at their own pace and in their own direction. Our fundamental mission is to help participants rediscover their natural playfulness, curiosity, and creativity—reigniting both their love of learning and their confidence in themselves.
We support young people in pursuing their interests and goals at their own pace and in their own direction. Our fundamental mission is to help participants rediscover their natural playfulness, curiosity, and creativity—reigniting both their love of learning and their confidence in themselves.
Kitchen Sink Science Experiment
DRC is Not a School
Deep Root Center is an educational alternative built on a simple belief: every young person deserves to belong. When students are accepted for who they are — trusted to make decisions, learn from mistakes, and explore what genuinely interests them — learning becomes natural and self-sustaining. We exist to be that community: one where each member has the freedom and support to pursue an ever-evolving vision of who they want to be.
Your kid may not be into school. But you know they would thrive in the right environment. We trust that each child will lead the way in working together to create that environment from scratch. All topics and formats are on the table. Everything is possible.
Young People Who Choose DRC Programs:
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DRC Culture of Trust and Respect
Everyone is welcome and celebrated at Deep Root Center as a unique individual. Our policy of radical inclusivity gives us the freedom to accept, support, respect, and trust every young person who actively chooses to be here on their learning journey.
Deep Root Center will not discriminate based on ethnicity, gender or gender identity, sexual preference, income level, religious affiliation, disability, or any other factors that make you and your child awesomely unique individuals.
Deep Root Center will not discriminate based on ethnicity, gender or gender identity, sexual preference, income level, religious affiliation, disability, or any other factors that make you and your child awesomely unique individuals.
Seedlings Program
The Seedlings Program exists to provide additional support for our youngest members, ages 5 to 11.
- A supportive and nurturing staff
- An enriching multi-age environment - filled with accessible, engaging, and enticing resources.
- Experiential, hands-on, active, and flexible learning plan completely personalized for each child to reflect individual interests
- Extensive opportunities for play
- Daily outdoor play and exploration
Our Facilities
Deep Root Center is a house and each of the rooms has a desigated function. Our goal is to create a feeling of coziness and safety within these walls. When kids feel comfortable, trusted, and secure, their brains understand that they are free to follow their curiosity and interests to explore and discover new ideas and concepts. Supporting individual learning and growth is at the heart of everything we do—and it all starts with a comfortable environment.
Programs & Services
Collage by Kenzie Corse
Deep Root Center in Canton serves children between the ages of 5-19. The legal mechanism to participate at Deep Root Center is through homeschooling. We guide and support families through all of the NYS Homeschool requirements. Every student member has full access to DRC facilities, programs (including the Seedlings program for ages 5-10), resources, tools and equipment, learning plan development, as well as a mentoring relationship with our caring supportive staff and community.
Over the past few years, we have discovered that DRC is not the best fit for everyone. To minimize the inherent struggle that occurs when this is not the right educational environment, we have instituted a one-month trial period that each student will enter upon application. This is the time for the student to settle in and decide if we are the correct place for their personal educational needs and goals. At the end of the trial, the child, their family, and staff will meet to determine if this is a good fit or not.
Over the past few years, we have discovered that DRC is not the best fit for everyone. To minimize the inherent struggle that occurs when this is not the right educational environment, we have instituted a one-month trial period that each student will enter upon application. This is the time for the student to settle in and decide if we are the correct place for their personal educational needs and goals. At the end of the trial, the child, their family, and staff will meet to determine if this is a good fit or not.
This service is for students who want to pursue homeschooling on their own and need help with NYS homeschool documentation (IHIP, Quarterly Reports, etc), resources, as well as building official transcripts. The DRC Executive Director will schedule consultation appointments to help families navigate the process. You can begin homeschooling at any time during the academic year. You do not have to wait until September.
