The Gathering Place is an award-winning, first-of-its-kind free public school that nurtures each child’s compassion and creativity.
Traditional Schools
Test Centered - Most of what happens during the day is about preparing kids for standardized tests.
Passive Learning - Kids sit most the day listening to their teacher and completing worksheets or problems from a textbook.
Punitive Discipline - Behavior is controlled through punishments and rewards which don’t support children’s well-being.
The Gathering Place
Child Centered - What happens during the day is focused around each child and their individual development and passion.
Active Learning - Kids learn more deeply by working hands-on with activities and projects that connect to their community and life.
Restorative Practices - Kids learn to be compassionate and kind by focusing on strong relationships, kindness, and empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you handle behavior?
Our first priority is to build a community of kindness. We focus on teaching social and emotional skills to help kids handle tough situations.
Do you have before and after care?
Yes! We have free before school care for all families and after-school care on a sliding scale.
Are the teachers qualified?
They most definitely are. In fact, schools like us (charter schools) have amazing teachers.
Is this restricted to only some people?
We’re open to all kids. We do not screen anyone.
Do kids have to audition since you’re an arts school?
No need to audition. We’re open to anyone.
Is there a fee to attend?
No, we are a free public school.
“The future belongs to a different kind of person with a different kind of mind: artists, inventors, storytellers — creative and holistic ‘right-brain’ thinkers whose abilities mark the fault line between who gets ahead and who doesn’t.” - Daniel Pink, educational researcher and author.