Mission:

Rivers & Roads is a nature-based and self-directed alternative approach to traditional schooling. We are a community dedicated to restoring the joy of learning with intentional culture that supports self-directed learning reinforced by agile management tools.

Core Values:

Trust- We believe the best way to learn to trust yourself is by being granted the gift of trust. We believe that children have inherent wisdom and have confidence in them to follow their authentic interests; this makes them better attuned to their passions and hones their ability to listen for their deeper purpose. We know children learn best when they’re doing things they’re actually interested in, and we have faith in them to drive their individual educational path. This trust, not only creates a relationship built on mutual respect, but also establishes confidence and awareness to become self-directed and inventive life long learners.

Individuality - We celebrate each other and ourselves for the differences that make us beautifully unique. Self-expression, self-knowledge and self-acceptance are nurtured and supported here. We dismiss the idea that there is a standardized "one size fits all" model of education. Students have the freedom and time to develop their passions, take charge of their own educational path, and embrace themselves wholly so they may realize their own potential.

Respect - We are committed to continuously practicing respect toward ourselves, others, and the world we share. We intentionally create a culture that practices self-compassion, kindness, gratitude, and forgiveness. We do not follow a hierarchical approach and instead respect humans of all ages and believe that childhood should be a time to nourish hungry minds and energetic spirits. We respect the world we share and are dedicated to promoting positive environmental ethics and actions that make our community more self-sustainable.

Empowerment- We value the beauty that manifests when students, parents, and facilitators alike are enabled to share their voices and individual gifts. We reject the idea of a pyramid of power to run a school and instead allow students and their families to have a voice in their educational paths and empower them to share and develop their passions. The day-to-day logistics, culture creation, and work committees are run by a democratic process made up of teams of students, facilitators, and parents. This structure allows everyone to have a voice and take an active role in building the community they want and deserve.