Our Village School: Education Reimagined

Education Next

by Casie Leigh Lukes

Dec 17, 2024

Our Village School: Education Reimagined - Summary for Educators

By Casie Leigh Lukes
Source: Education Next

Our Village School (OVS) in Lakeville, Minnesota, is redefining education by blending outdoor experiences, creativity, and community to create a unique learning environment for homeschoolers. Founded by Maria Stalsberg, the school offers a vibrant educational model where students engage in hands-on learning and outdoor activities, fostering creativity and collaboration.

Key Features of Our Village School

Outdoor-Centered Learning

Interaction with nature is a cornerstone of OVS. Students attend classes outdoors, whether rain or shine, and engage in activities such as painting lakeside, building villages in the woods, and growing vegetables for a student-run farm stand. These experiences not only support creativity but also align with research highlighting the cognitive and emotional benefits of outdoor learning. Studies show that lessons in nature improve student engagement and reduce the need for redirection in subsequent classroom activities.

Flexible Educational Model

OVS caters to homeschool families, offering enrichment classes like art, science, music, drama, and cooking twice a week. Students learn traditional academic subjects at home, with parents curating personalized curricula. This hybrid model provides families the freedom to travel, engage in “world schooling,” or participate in community activities while maintaining a sense of structure and support.

Creative and Hands-On Experiences

At OVS, learning extends beyond traditional academics to include dynamic, real-world projects. Activities range from sports like pickleball to shop classes where older students build projects or launch businesses. For instance, students created a coffee stand, Village Coffee Co., handling branding, market research, and operations.

Cooking classes led by a professional chef introduce students to global cuisines and cultures. Students not only prepare food from countries such as India, Nigeria, and Japan but also explore their geography, history, and language. These activities emphasize collaboration, cultural awareness, and practical skills.

Community Focus

OVS fosters a tight-knit community, with students forming lasting friendships and parents collaborating on enrichment opportunities. Seasonal events, like book club parties and music performances at senior centers, connect students with broader community members and enhance their social-emotional development.

The Value of Outdoor and Community-Based Learning

Research supports the OVS approach, showing that time in nature improves mental and physical health while enhancing learning retention. Founder Stalsberg notes that outdoor learning opportunities are rare in the U.S. for children over five. At OVS, students gain the benefits of fresh air, physical activity, and immersive education.

The school’s emphasis on community helps children build resilience, creativity, and interpersonal skills. Whether crafting “villages” in the woods or exploring Native American cultures at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, OVS creates a sanctuary where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Future Expansion

Currently serving students up to age 14, OVS plans to extend its offerings to older students in 2025. Graduates often continue homeschooling, join academic co-ops, or transition to hybrid or traditional schooling.

Conclusion

Our Village School offers a reimagined approach to education that balances academic rigor with creative exploration and community building. By prioritizing outdoor learning and hands-on experiences, OVS creates a vibrant environment where students thrive.

Cite this article:
Lukes, C. L. (2024, December 17). Our Village School: Education Reimagined. Education Next. https://www.educationnext.org

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com