Our Philosophy
The following tenets guide Freedom Side School’s educational practice and organizational culture. These tenets are values we hold close. At Freedom Side we genuinely–and imperfectly– strive to live into our values. Together, we work to fulfill this philosophy through practice, reflection, and revision.
Child as Individual
Children’s needs must be met in order for true learning to occur. We care for the whole child and work to meet the physical, social and emotional needs of our students. We support our students to know and love themselves and each other. We consider this to be the foundation of all learning.
All children have the capacity to grow as artists, musicians, writers, mathematicians, organizers, builders, athletes, healers, dancers, scientists, community leaders, and poets. At Freedom Side, we nurture all parts of our students. The integration of visual arts, music, movement, math, science, literacy, and performing arts is an essential aspect of our program.
Child as community member
Children need attention, care, and support from adults. We are committed to low student:teacher ratios so that our students can receive the individualized attention, guidance, and support they need.
Caregivers are co-creators of their children’s education. We work to build trust and open communication with students’ caregivers on both sides of prison walls. We know that caregivers are experts on the needs of their children, family, and community. Families are welcomed as collaborators and contributors to our school community.
Learning most meaningfully occurs in community. Our school is a learning community that values the different strengths and growth areas of each child as an integral part of the collective. We learn from and with each other.
Child as learner
Learning occurs in ways unique to each child. Our mission is to meet each child where they are, and support learning in ways that are most developmentally appropriate for that child.
Learning is most meaningful when guided by the curiosities, interests, and passions of the learner. At Freedom Side, children are co-creators of their education.
Inquiry, imagination, and play are integral to children’s learning and development. We provide ample opportunities for children to play, explore, imagine, and wonder. Through observing each child’s likes and dislikes, passions and beliefs, we find access points to support their learning and development.
child as
social actor
Educators have a responsibility to equip students with the tools they need to navigate the world outside of school. We work to build a more free world while giving children the tools they need to thrive as much as possible in the world we have now.
Children should be told the truth and supported to think critically about our world. We teach about oppression and injustice honestly and with intention, and care for students as they navigate difficult truths.
Children should be given the tools they need to build a more free world. Children are naturally oriented towards justice and fairness and are creative problem solvers. We help them harness these talents so children can create the world they want to live in.