Heartwood Agile Learning Center

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why Heartwood Agile Learning Center was nominated

Heartwood Agile Learning Center is a K-12 independent school that facilitates Self-Directed Education. We use adaptable tools and practices borrowed from the Agile Management/Software world and consent-based decision-making to help students individualize their learning within the context of a collaborative and intentional community. Heartwood ALC is committed to amplifying the sense of agency and the social conscience of our young people. We encourage them to explore their passions and curiosities to help them simultaneously discover and create their path in life. At Heartwood, relationship is one of our biggest values because we take a whole community approach to helping our students self-actualize. Facilitators, parents, and students all work together to feed and maintain a healthy school culture. We also have a special focus on equity and social justice to ensure that self-directed education is accessible and empowering for all people, especially populations that have been historically disenfranchised.

Student experience design

At Heartwood, we offer a flexible space for learning through free play, deliberate skill-building, and socialization. Our students personalize their experience by making choices every day. We adapt our plans together using co-design practices. We have a rescue cat. We encourage family engagement. We welcome projects and big questions, offering support to pursue both. We also welcome silliness and surprises. We encourage folks of all ages to come as they are, contribute as they can, and wonder at what’s possible. We know meaningful learning happens when young people are engaged in activities they care about. Our job is to provide a neuro-affirming and engaging space that supports them in these explorations. Our approach is rooted in: Self-Direction: Students choose how to spend their time and what to explore. Abundant Play: Free play lets us practice essential skills, express ourselves, connect with others, and feel joy! While many schools begin restricting access to play as students grow, we know its value for all ages. Project-Based Learning: Inspiration for projects is everywhere. Students might want to paint portraits, write a book, learn woodworking, cook a shared lunch, or make their own video game. They may want to grow tomatoes or 3D print a board game. Whatever their ideas are, we're excited to help them move from idea to action. Democratic Practice: Co-planning happens collaboratively through community meetings. Mixed-Age Collaboration: Young people learn from and with each other. Real Responsibility: Everyone is expected to contribute to building our weekly schedule, resolving conflicts, care-taking our space, and creating an inclusive culture in our space.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
Individual Learning Paths	5+ years
Multi-age Classrooms	5+ years
Project-based Learning	5+ years
Restorative Practices	5+ years
Self-paced Learning	5+ years

All Practices

Advancement On Mastery

AI Literacy

Assessments For Agency And Self-directed Learning

Assessments For Career Readiness

Assessments For Deeper Learning

Assessments For Social-emotional Skills

Career Exploration

Co-leadership

Culturally Responsive Practices

All Courses Designed For Inclusion

Educators Have Industry Experience

Individual Learner Profiles

1:1 Mentoring

No Tracked Classes

Peer To Peer Support

School-based Enterprises

SEL Integration School-wide

Students Access Their Own Data

Student-led Goal Setting

Students Develop Projects

Trauma-informed Practices

Universal Design For Learning

Career Prep

key reasons for innovating