The Challenge

Our daily work and mission is solidified in the reality that we are connected to one another. We acknowledge the human aspect connected to this work and service to others.  Asking, "What do you need to feel and be safe?", we work to provide this or connect those to services and resources to meet the need. We are a family and community focused organization: it is crucial that we work together for the benefit of us all. 

We work to address and pride ourselves on utilizing the strategies proven to fight against and dispel the notion that schools can’t be inclusive places for learning and joy for all.  Beginning with the question, "What is your [student] identity? What do you envision it to be?" and approach it with adaptive strategies, learning modalities, and practices; include all parties in the school village, including, but not limited to academic specialists, counselors, and TVIs who will meet with the team to help the student meet those goals 

Learning with others is fun and essential to development! 

We lead through empathy and curiosity. Our mission began by asking ourselves and others, "What’s unfair in your pursuit of educational empowerment? " It was in this inquiry that we learned that with the humanization of education, educational staff, and support staff and implementing restorative practices, we can close the school-to-prison pipeline. Scholars learn more, invest much, and engage enthusiastically when they have agency and voice within a system based on inquiry. We are rebranding learning for color+ students by bringing voice to the neglected histories and stories of those within our community--humanizing them and their unique experiences. 

We want an Earth for our young people to grow in and provide for their families 

one day.  So, we embody “My presence expands the universe. Who I am has an impact. I matter" within the work we do. We are one with the Earth and should act accordingly towards one another and the Earth. 

One major avenue we show our appreciation for the Earth  is our community garden and greenhouse. The students grow it, sell it, and give the produce back to the community, giving to those who need it most.  We promote giving back to the ground with composting and collecting rain water. Our presence brings change and that change is infectious. 

Ask yourself: "What have you changed? What has changed you?

We have chosen to be the change we want to see, have you?

1. Tuition free 
2. Campus community for family housing & services 
3. Responsive & flexible teaching includes night/evening school, virtual learning with print media, music/audio, and the arts for furthering skills
4. Family group sessions based on interest for skills or counseling virtually or in-person with several options
5. Family/ Community participation and engagement in discussions or participate in extension assignments or explorations.
6. OA Scholarship for the pursuit of higher education/training for alumni who qualify