PUTNEY — The Journey School, a natural learning community founded in Chester eight years ago, will move its home base to the Putney Community Center this fall.
Incorporating elements of homeschooling, democratic education and other progressive learning models, The Journey School is alternative education program serving children ages 6-17.
The Putney Community Center will host two main programs for The Journey School. The first program is Teen Odyssey, an alternative education program for kids 12 – 17, offering a learner-centered approach that encourages and empowers teens to mindfully design their own education while living a meaningful life right now.
The program offers classes on many topics inspired by passionate teachers, artists, musicians and other community mentors and professionals, with mentoring services provided by two lead teachers.
“Outside the building” experiences include a week-long backpacking trip, two community service weeks, a canoe journey with Kroka Expeditions, internships, a wilderness skills program, group learning projects like building a boat or beekeeping, and a weekly arts program at Black Barn Arts of Chester.
The second program is a two-day Elementary Homeschool Enrichment Program. On Thursdays, the focus is art, including photography, book making, pottery, multimedia journaling, and more.
On Fridays, students enjoy a holistic curriculum featuring everything from making herbal medicine to creating a radio show. The weekly wilderness skills program is also available to elementary children.
The Journey School is accepting applicants for fall classes. Visit www.journeyschoolvt.org for more information, or send an email to info@thejourneyschool.com.