You don't need to love free schools, unschooling, self-directed learning, or holistic education to agree that the experiences our youth have deeply influence the lives they lead and the society we will live in. Our environment, the people we meet, and the attitudes that surround us are as vital to our growth as our DNA. If the goal is to live in a democratic society that is fully committed to human rights and social justice without sacrificing personal freedom what do schools of the 22nd century need to look like? Read more . . .
Seeking new administrative leadership for 2010-2011
We have identified the essential administrative tasks that need to be filled for our school to continue to mature. We are now seeking applications from people who think they can fill those needs. This job announcement describes both roles we are seeking to fill and the application process and basic timeline.
What if schools were different?
Letter from our council chair
The VFS 2010 and Beyond
Since the inception of the VFS, we have been in a constant state of evolution. The mission has remained constant, but the day-to day operation of the school has transformed as we embrace every challenge and learn from our successes and failures. This open minded approach is one of the many things that make our school special and one of the most important life lessons for our students.
From the perspective of the council, there are a number of important transitions underway this year at the school. The new council has been meeting throughout the summer to learn about our roles and responsibilities and to develop a plan to carry the school toward our long-term goals. As the council chair, I've been getting to know each member of the council and staff as well as members of the VFS community.
In the short time since the new council has been elected, we have already successfully navigated several transitions. We have welcomed new council members, new staff, new students and their families. We have seen staff and community members leave the VFS to pursue other opportunities. We have developed and implemented extensive new plans to guide our fund raising and outreach activities. Through it all, I've been amazed by the spirit of cooperation and the ability to reach consensus on matters large and small.
Over the next 6 months, we will be going through another very significant transition. Scott Nine will be leaving his role as Executive Director at the end of the current school year. This presents us with both a challenge and an opportunity.
Finding Our Way
Today, I read Peter H. Reynolds new book The North Star. The story is simple and profound. A small boy finds himself on the "well worn path" when he decides to step off of it and begins to find his own way through a world more expansive than he could initially imagine.
Our little school seems no different. As we enter our fifth year of having students, we continue to discover new ways of seeing things, new challenges, and new friends.
We hope this website offers you an easy way to get a sense of our school. Where we have traveled, where are now, and where we are headed. In particular, we hope it invites you into our community and our conversations.
May you find our story inspiring, our facts compelling, and our vision something worth sharing with others.