The conventional educational system that most of us are accustomed to was created with the
primary purpose of training a compliant workforce. This system has not changed much since its creation in the 1800s. Because education passes down the values, skills, and knowledge that are needed to sustain the culture, it could serve a different purpose. We know it can become a vehicle for change.
Springhouse is vitality-centered, intergenerational, holistic, place-based, and seeks cultural diversity. We started as a high school and plan to expand in age ranges this fall both to include younger ages, and also elders in more direct ways. If you were to walk into the school one day, you would see teen and adult learners learning, dancing, singing, working outdoors, and cooking together. You might see visitors from around the world coming to see what is happening at Springhouse to learn how to start something similar in their place. There would be adults from around the world gathering online weekly to learn how to foster vitality in their region, and start learning communities using Springhouse's design and curriculum. You might hear stories about the trips we take each year or the rites of passage we practice with all learners. You would see school differently in the ways we are committed to the revitalization of our region and in our commitment to share our learning.
When vitality is the primary purpose of education we engage in practices and experience results different from what most of us have experienced in education. When we trust and align with the regenerative power of Life, we naturally become more connected to the community and place we are part of. The vitality we experience spills out, not only to our local community, but to other places around the world. We have visitors from all over the world, and we now have a design and curriculum to support them to start their own inspiring learning communities. This design allows for creativity and autonomy, as we are not interested in replication, but in supporting those inspired by our example.
We offerings on campus like sacred dance, community meals, and more. We also are online with seasonal meditations, weekly devotions, and a book study using our book on the design. You can purchase literature from our print shop, start a book study, or if you are ready to jump in, join our school founders program and start a learning community in your place using our design and curriculum.
