Vision
The Farm School is an educational resource center and hub of activity making the knowledge and physical resources of The Farm and The Farm School virtual community available to an international community of lifelong learners.
Mission
The Farm School seeks to support diverse individuals actualizing our unique potentials as we work and play toward personal, community and planetary wellbeing.
Educational Philosophy
The philosophy of The Farm School begins with the belief that all kids have a natural desire to learn and grow, and that all aspects of life are considered a part of a person’s education. The students are allowed to pursue their areas of interest, in a relaxed setting of encouragement and with a variety of resources. We use cooperation, not competition as a model. Intimidation and authoritarian means of implementing school programs are not part of the agenda so students have the freedom to be who they are without interference or judgment. We believe knowledge of one’s self, honesty and tolerance are as important a part of a child’s education as academics.
Organizational Structure
The Farm School is a consensus-democratic school. We attempt to achieve consensus on all shared decisions and use voting to make decisions when this seems like the most peaceful path to a decision. We make decisions about the daily functioning of the school during school meetings where students and teachers each have equal voice. Our Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) makes decisions about the daily functioning of the school that require the input of parents. We make decisions specific to individual students during triadic meetings that include a student, her/his advisor and a family member. Our school board is accountable for the functioning of the school as a business entity (non-profit corporation). We entrust our Principal to make recommendations about how to achieve our mission and to make time sensitive decisions on our behalf.
