http://www.upattinas.org/
True education must be relevant to the intellectual, physical and spiritual aspects of a person's growth. Active participation is vital to learning. Everyone has a unique combination of talents. Children learn all the time, inside and outside a school's buildings. Education is a way of life.
Upattinas School and Educational Resource Center was founded in 1971 by a group of parents and educators who wanted to be involved in the creation of a holistic, experiential learning setting for children. The parents agreed to become active resources for the teachers: finding space, creating play and instruction areas, searching for materials and books, and helping wherever needed. In the interest of finances, theyalso agreed to help keep the school clean and physically maintained. Thus Upattinas became a parent cooperative organization.Upattinas has evolved over the years, but these principles are still in practice. Licensed by the state as a private academic school, the Resource Center includes full and part time programs as well as home education services for students from kindergarten through graduation.
Upattinas is non-discriminatory as to race or other individual differerence. The school and resource center does not provide support for students who identify themselves as "neo-Nazi" in philosophy or behavior. Write to us. We'll send you more information about ourselves.
The Lower School serves children from five to about thirteen in an un-graded group which functions somewhat like a large family. Children work and play together regardless of age or ability, depending upon their interests and the day's circumstances.
Upattinas provides a rich setting for non-compulsory, non-coercive learning. Students in the lower school are encouraged to participate fully in the many activities offered which integrate academic and life skills. They are free to select experiences according to their interests and may make their own choices. Physical activity is a major component of this group's curriculum, and play is considered important and necessary.
Students who wish to graduate through a full or part time individualized program may do so at Upattinas. Students work with their parents and an advisor to create curricula based on personal needs and interests. Courses and seminars are limited to small groups so everyone can learn actively.
Upattinas students are expected to develop communication skills, awareness of scientific principles, and practical mathematics abilities. A high value is placed on developing the responsibility to complete projects. Curiosity and an appreciation of the interactions among spiritual, academic and practical learning are encouraged.
Students may pursue courses of study outside of Upattinas for credit. Learning experiences which are available privately, at art and music centers, at community or other colleges and universities may be recorded as for-credit learning. For those who wish to study on their own or with a parent or tutor, texts and workbooks are available in most subject areas. Students graduate via portfolio presentation or through the accumulation of individual credits. No grades are assigned. For each half-credit, a written evaluation of work accomplished must be agreed upon as satisfactory by the student and her/his teacher.
Graduates of Upattinas go on to travel, to various jobs and training programs, and to achievements in music, drama, art, and sports. More than 50% enroll in college or university programs.
Upattinas Open Community Corporation is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Private Academic School, authorized by the Department of Immigration to grant I-20 status to non-immigrant students from other countries, and is accredited by the National Associa- tion for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools.