Q - I have heard of Deep Root Center, but what exactly is it?
A – Deep Root Center is not a school. Rather, DRC offers an alternative to school, best described as a hybrid of homeschooling and school. It is a small, safe, non-compulsory, non-coercive, drop-in self-directed learning center for any young person (ages 5-19) who is dissatisfied with their current educational situation. DRC provides a multitude of resources, as well as space and time for classes, independent study, individual hands on projects, nature study, and social interactions, to all of their members.
Q - Who is Deep Root Center for?
A - DRC is for any young person (ages 5-19) who is, for one reason or another, dissatisfied with their current schooling experience and is seeking another way forward.
Some DRC youth and families come from an alternative mindset. They are already comfortable with non-traditional choices. Other DRC members never planned to choose an alternate path. Many have attempted to make school work for them in various ways and at different locations, with similar results. The environment and instruction typically offered in school are not for everyone.
Q - Why Choose Deep Root Center for Self-Directed Learning?
A - You have interests and goals that are not being met by your current educational environment.
You are feeling Bored, Anxious, or Disenfranchised.
You are seeking a hands on, interactive, and dynamic environment where you can be creative, imaginative, inventive, and curious, explore and make mistakes, get your feet wet, both figuratively and literally, follow your dreams and spread your wings - with a community of folks who will accept you as you are and support you, unconditionally, in all of those things .
You understand that learning happens everywhere.
Above all, you are ready to take charge of your education and life!
Q - Do DRC students go on to college?
A - Absolutely. In fact, we expect that all our students will pursue further education, training, or inspiring work.
DRC students can audit classes at both SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam. By auditing one college class per semester (for a nominal fee) DRC students can gain experience in a college classroom. These classes are included in their high school transcript.
Just as if a teenager were to continue attending traditional school, substantial work is required to prepare for college and to be accepted into competitive universities. However, pursuing your studies at Deep Root Center allows greater flexibility and freedom in what you study and how.
Using North Star as an example, not only do the vast majority of North Star teens go on to college, but North Star has three alumni who are now university professors, one who is a superintendent, and hundreds of successful professionals.
Q - How Does DRC Work?
A. Deep Root Center students leave traditional public school to create personalized educational plans based on their interests and goals, with guidance from DRC staff. Homeschooling serves as the legal framework for this approach.
Getting Started
The process begins with a visit to Deep Root Center to determine if it's a good fit. If a child decides to join, families complete a trial membership form and financial agreement based on what they can feasibly contribute through our pay-what-you-can policy.
We maintain an economically diverse community and have never turned away a student due to their family's financial circumstances. Fee reductions are available to anyone who needs them.
Creating Your Learning Plan
The next step is to meet with the Executive Director to develop the New York State-required Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), which will serve as the student's personalized learning roadmap.
Q - How is Deep Root Center funded?
A – Deep Root Center is funded through membership fees, grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic donations. We do not receive any funding from the State or Federal government. We do not receive subsidies and do not participate in any school voucher programs. DRC has an annual fee; however, offers substantial scholarship aid to 100% of our student members, totaling over 105,000.00 each year. The staff and board are very proud to say that we have never refused a young person because of their family’s inability to pay the full fee. With the community’s generous contributions, we can continue this tradition of supporting those young people who choose a different educational path - one that truly reflects their interests and aspirations.
Much of the work at Deep Root Center is provided by volunteers. We would not be able to do all we do without their generous gifts of time and talent.
If you have additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please get in touch
A – Deep Root Center is not a school. Rather, DRC offers an alternative to school, best described as a hybrid of homeschooling and school. It is a small, safe, non-compulsory, non-coercive, drop-in self-directed learning center for any young person (ages 5-19) who is dissatisfied with their current educational situation. DRC provides a multitude of resources, as well as space and time for classes, independent study, individual hands on projects, nature study, and social interactions, to all of their members.
Q - Who is Deep Root Center for?
A - DRC is for any young person (ages 5-19) who is, for one reason or another, dissatisfied with their current schooling experience and is seeking another way forward.
Some DRC youth and families come from an alternative mindset. They are already comfortable with non-traditional choices. Other DRC members never planned to choose an alternate path. Many have attempted to make school work for them in various ways and at different locations, with similar results. The environment and instruction typically offered in school are not for everyone.
Q - Why Choose Deep Root Center for Self-Directed Learning?
A - You have interests and goals that are not being met by your current educational environment.
You are feeling Bored, Anxious, or Disenfranchised.
You are seeking a hands on, interactive, and dynamic environment where you can be creative, imaginative, inventive, and curious, explore and make mistakes, get your feet wet, both figuratively and literally, follow your dreams and spread your wings - with a community of folks who will accept you as you are and support you, unconditionally, in all of those things .
You understand that learning happens everywhere.
Above all, you are ready to take charge of your education and life!
Q - Do DRC students go on to college?
A - Absolutely. In fact, we expect that all our students will pursue further education, training, or inspiring work.
DRC students can audit classes at both SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam. By auditing one college class per semester (for a nominal fee) DRC students can gain experience in a college classroom. These classes are included in their high school transcript.
Just as if a teenager were to continue attending traditional school, substantial work is required to prepare for college and to be accepted into competitive universities. However, pursuing your studies at Deep Root Center allows greater flexibility and freedom in what you study and how.
Using North Star as an example, not only do the vast majority of North Star teens go on to college, but North Star has three alumni who are now university professors, one who is a superintendent, and hundreds of successful professionals.
Q - How Does DRC Work?
A. Deep Root Center students leave traditional public school to create personalized educational plans based on their interests and goals, with guidance from DRC staff. Homeschooling serves as the legal framework for this approach.
Getting Started
The process begins with a visit to Deep Root Center to determine if it's a good fit. If a child decides to join, families complete a trial membership form and financial agreement based on what they can feasibly contribute through our pay-what-you-can policy.
We maintain an economically diverse community and have never turned away a student due to their family's financial circumstances. Fee reductions are available to anyone who needs them.
Creating Your Learning Plan
The next step is to meet with the Executive Director to develop the New York State-required Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), which will serve as the student's personalized learning roadmap.
Q - How is Deep Root Center funded?
A – Deep Root Center is funded through membership fees, grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic donations. We do not receive any funding from the State or Federal government. We do not receive subsidies and do not participate in any school voucher programs. DRC has an annual fee; however, offers substantial scholarship aid to 100% of our student members, totaling over 105,000.00 each year. The staff and board are very proud to say that we have never refused a young person because of their family’s inability to pay the full fee. With the community’s generous contributions, we can continue this tradition of supporting those young people who choose a different educational path - one that truly reflects their interests and aspirations.
Much of the work at Deep Root Center is provided by volunteers. We would not be able to do all we do without their generous gifts of time and talent.
If you have additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please get in touch
