This is my vision of a Center that does not yet exist. It is based on my experience as an educator and the experience of other schools that have run this way for many years. The Learning Center is a rich and diverse environment that provides the resources that kids may need to learn. Some rooms simply have places to sit, or tables, others have specialized equipment like a kitchen, computer room, or a library. There is also access to a gym, pool, theatre, classrooms, general meeting areas and the outdoors with places to run, play and explore.
Students decide, at all times, what they want to do and what they want to learn.
Mostly, to outsiders, a typical day looks like kids playing or hanging out. But, in fact, an incredible amount of learning and socialization takes place. Classes are arranged by mutual consent of students and any person whom the students want to teach the class, including staff members, other students, or an outside person skilled in that topic. Classes are only held by request of a student or group of students who wish to take a class. If a student feels that they need expertise not present in the Learning Center, the staff and student together will work to find such expertise in the larger community.