At Pathfinder Learning Center we believe that education blossoms best when it is centered on kids learning, rather than adults teaching.  We are committed to honoring children and teens as individuals, as well as respecting that they know what works best for them.  This is a place for self directed learning that is supported by adults.

Our Mission: To honor a child’s sense of self and help them embrace their inherent ability to learn and grow.

What Pathfinder Learning Center does:

• Respects kids’ knowledge of themselves
• Fosters independence
• Supports curiosity
• Mentors
• Helps identify and support learners’ goals
• Helps with filing of home school plan
• Offers classes
• Offers tutoring
• Offers resources
• Supports different learning styles and needs
• Organizes field trips
• Helps identify volunteer and internship opportunities
• Assists with GED
• Guides dual enrollment
• Helps with next steps - college, employment, travel, etc
• Provides space for any mode of self directed learning, e.g., unschooling, independent online school, independently followed curriculum
• Accept learners of all races, religions, identities, orientations
• Keeps a secular environment

Pathfinder doesn't:

• Teach a curriculum
• Make rules about what kids may or may not pursue/learn/study/do
• Tell learners what they “should” do
• Let learners flounder (too much, that is - a little is ok)
• “Police” learners
• Grade anything

Pathfinder is perfect for:

• Students for whom the school model does not work due to various reasons: boredom, anxiety, need for more creativity, learning differences, etc
• Students who wish to unschool but parents want them to have some guidance
• Families who are interested in home/unschool but feel unable due to both parents working outside the home
• Students following an online curriculum who want a community and the option for    enrichment classes
• Any child/teen engaged in self-directed learning
• Older, independent children/teens following their own curriculum but want a space in which to do it where they can get some adult support 
• Independent home/unschoolers who want a working space outside the home and who want a community