Philosophy

At OtG, we believe that children are meant to learn on their own timeline, in our limitless natural world. We use innate curiosity as a guide to implement a meaningful curriculum that is connected to the child and the world. Our school is designed to foster the fact that we are all life-long learners, in order to create a future of endless possibilities. When children believe in their own abilities and have the freedom to learn and grow without the constraints of a regimented and forced curriculum, they are able to flourish to their fullest potential.

Off the Grid strives to stray from standard education systems, in that our “rules” are created and enforced for and by the group. We strive to allow kids the freedom to be loud, active, fidgety, messy, and to create expectations that best serve the group itself while meeting individuals abilities. Teamwork and collaboration are vital life skills. OtG will foster these skills, ensuring students are set up for success in whatever path they follow in life.

OtG was founded by an elementary educator and preschool director, who has years of extensive experience working with various educational philosophies such as Montessori, Restorative Practices, play-based, public schools, charter schools, private schools and forest schools. As a result, OtG optimizes an array of pedagogies that best serves our mission.

Core Skills

Skills that your child will gain from Off the Grid

Emotional regulation and coping mechanisms
Interpersonal communication and relationship building
Foundations in mathematics (number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, geometry, algebra, etc.)
Foundations in reading (all genres, exposure to various perspectives and styles, mentorship with phonics and learning to read, etc.)
Foundations in writing (standard grammar and syntax, sentence structures, fictional writing, non-fiction, folklore/fairy tales, persuasive, informational, research, blogs, narratives, personal narratives, biographies, autobiographies, etc.)
Exploration of arts (musicals, dramatic arts, performing arts, make-up, fine arts, art in history, drawing, painting, creating, movement art, photography, sculpting, woodworking etc.)
Exploration of physical movement (yoga, hiking, running, climbing, sports, dance, skiing, snowboarding, swimming)
Foundations in science (geography, geology, architecture, neuroscience, chemistry, physics, astrology, anatomy and physiology, biology, botany, )
Foundations in history (community, United States, all 7 continents, general world history)
Life skills (preparing food, baking, folding clothes, packing bags, car mechanics, cleaning, caretaking, shopping, sewing, gardening, yard maintenance, building maintenance, etc.)
Nature survival skills (building a fire, fishing, foraging, setting up a tent, water purification, packing, trail safety, etc.)
Individualized Interest Projects (Each year children will choose a topic of their choice to research, plan, prepare, and present a culminating presentation)

Our Flow

8:30 Arrival/ Morning Goal Setting

9:00-12:00 Work Flow

12:00-1:30 Lunch and Free Play

1:30-3:00 Work Flow

3:00-3:30 Check-in and Good-bye

3:30-5:00 Volunteer-led aftercare/extracurriculuar

Work Flow: During this time, individuals will self-pace their work for the day based on the goals they have set. One child may be working on writing a novel while another is engaged in a small group math chat or working one-on-one with the mentor. This space and time is designed for children to learn autonomy and time-management while engaging in meaningful tasks. Children will determine when they need a break for socialization and snacks. No child is required to pause their focused work, and no child is required to continue working when hunger strikes.

Each day, time is set aside for free-play and creation. Children need time to imagine, explore, pretend, and collaborate with peers in creative play. This time and space is held to allow children to do just that, while also having the support of mentors to work through emotional regulation and conflict resolution.

WHAT are we...?

Non-Profit Co-op homeschooling Microschool

All children attending OtG will be enrolled as "Homeschoolers" with the State of Oregon. We qualify as a cooperative homeschooling group, as parents play a vital role and are required to participate in educational activities. We are registered as a non-profit organization for fundraising and grant writing purposes.

Our Mission

Off the Grid strives to provide a unique educational experience that allows children to flourish in our natural environment. Children are treated as individuals on their own paths towards building and living truly meaningful lives. OtG’s main goal is to create harmony with oneself while exploring, gaining understanding, and discovering all our world has to offer. Rather than follow a “one-sized-fits-all” curriculum, children at OtG are mentored and guided to meet personal goals, build resiliency, discover passions, explore the outdoors, and gain an understanding of themselves and others.