Top Ten Reasons Why DRC Chooses Not to be a School

As a member of the Liberated Learners network:

10. We embrace the non-compulsory aspect---kids can utilize our facility as often as they want, and we do not take attendance. We are only open four days a week, because young people have real lives, too.

9. We delight in being non-coercive---kids can choose to attend any of the classes from our schedule--- no one has to do anything they are not excited about. Everyone has the right and opportunity to say, “No”.

8. Our staff and volunteers are equals, not authority figures. DRC is a safe, comfortable environment that supports and encourages learning and growth opportunities for everyone. Respect for yourself, for the space, and everyone within this community is the only rule you will find at DRC.

7. Every person, is supported to take charge of their own education. Staff and tutors are not responsible for making sure or dictating educational plans. They simply do not tell youth what to do, or for that matter, what not to do.

6. DRC offers opportunities, possibilities, and options, not strict time-tables, curricula, or subjects. Each student can go at their own pace. They can choose an academically rigorous route at an early age or they can meander and explore every option that comes their way. At DRC there are no should's or have to's--- only could's.

5. The DRC community is flexible and can move quickly when specific topics or interests are requested and/or become available from outside resources.

4. There are no rewards, testing, requirements, or punishment. Simple but profound appreciation and encouragement are offered daily.

3. Each student member has a staff mentor and can choose to be directly connected to the local community through individual tutors, internships or apprenticeships, field trips, and volunteer opportunities.

2. We listen closely. We believe that everyone has a voice that can and should be heard. And,

1. The DRC staff, board and community is open-minded and willing to explore learning opportunities wherever they may pop-op, because we consider the world our classroom. We firmly believe that education should be a conversation not a lecture and are committed to teaching people how to acquire knowledge, how to think creatively and individualistically, and most importantly, how to appreciate their own style and awesomeness.

We have distilled this whole list into two simple statements, which just happen to be our mission and tag-line: DRC provides the environment, resources, and support for young people who choose to live and learn without school. Because, learning is natural and school is optional!

*** (all of the hyper-linked words or phrases will direct you to previous posts that highlight those particular concepts and points.)***

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