Updated 2018-10-05

u.school

U.school is a democratic, micro school using downtown Springfield, MO as its classroom.
Patrick Misterovich founder
Schools
http://www.u.school
click to see email
417-425-6869
425 W McDaniel St
Suite 160
Springfield, MO  65806
United States

Description

Located in downtown Springfield and using the city as an extension of the school, u.school operates under the following ideas:

MISSION
Growing self-directed learners who are confident, competent, and caring human beings.

LEARNING PHILOSOPHY
Each and every student brings unique life experiences, has signature strengths, and learns and develops at their own pace.

Humans learn best in an environment that favors authentic learning.

Learning Authentically involves…
Passion, play, and purpose
Curiosity and questions
Meaningful relationships with peers and adults
Self-reflection and self-direction
Patience
An authentic audience
Individual agency in deciding the who, what, when, where, why, and how of learning
Connecting with the community outside of the school walls

FOUNDING IDEALS
Micro school: Keep the school small to favor relationship building and flexibility so that each student can have the school they deserve.

Democratic School: A truly student-centered school means that students have agency in their learning community.

Connected School: Students should learn from each other, from their local community, and from the greater world.

SDE Optimizing Conditions

ASDE surveys all SDE communities/programs about how they provide, enhance, or align with each of the Six Optimizing Conditions for young people to succeed in SDE.  Survey answers:
  1. Responsibility – Our school is modeled after other democratic and free schools utilizing a consensus driven school meeting, student run committees (Judicial Committee, Graduation Committee, and Admissions Committee). No grades or credits. Students portfolio.
  2. Youth Autonomy – We operate use self-directed learning principles. Students set their own goals and learn at their own pace driven by passion, curiosity, creative expression, and interest.
  3. Access to Tools and Technology – Students have the option to participate in authentic projects like DWNTWN magazine (glossy print magazine covering downtown Springfield), u.talks (public talks on any topic), First Friday Art Walk (u.school space turns into a gallery once a month)
  4. Adult Allies – Two full time adults are always available as well as part-time specialists, volunteers, and as needed instructors. Students have access to adults for support, tutoring, direct instruction, and counseling.
  5. Free Age Mixing – We accept students between the ages of 11 and 18. Students aren't segregated by age in any way.
  6. Community – Communitas (our weekly democratic meeting) guides all day to day decision making. All students, faculty, and parents are part of General Membership that approves the annual budget, nominates and elects the Board of Directors.

If any information about this resource is out of date, please let us know.