Room to Grow and Freedom to Become:
Heartwood is an independent school where play leads to purpose and children discover their unique gifts.
At Heartwood, we believe learning happens naturally when children can follow their curiosity in a supportive environment. Our school provides such a space, and young people at Heartwood personalize their experience by making choices every day. Through play, projects, and democratic participation, our students develop the skills, relationships, and self-knowledge they need to thrive.
We welcome silliness and rest alongside deliberate study and project work. Older students coach younger ones, younger students teach older ones, and they all gather with staff for games and culture-tending sessions on a regular basis. We adapt the space together using agile principles and co-design practices. We have a rescue cat. We encourage family engagement. We encourage folks of all ages to come as they are, contribute as they can, and wonder at what’s possible.
The school year runs August through May, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm.
We’re a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, located in Clarkston, GA.
We have rolling admissions and are currently accepting applications for students 9 - 16 from the metro Atlanta area.
There are many ways that people practice self-directed education; you can learn more about how we do it on our FAQ page.
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Learning Through Play and Projects
At Heartwood, we recognize that meaningful learning happens when children are engaged in activities they care about. Our approach is rooted in:
Self-Direction: Students choose how to spend their time and what to explore
Project-Based Learning: Deep engagement through student-initiated projects
Democratic Practice: Community meetings where everyone has a voice
Mixed-Age Collaboration: Young people learning from and with each other
Real Responsibility: Students help shape our schedule, resolve conflicts, and maintain our space
Children are naturally curious, capable, and collaborative. Our job is to provide the environment, tools, and support that allow these qualities to flourish.
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Description text goes hereOur educational philosophy is informed by research and practice from leaders in self-directed education:
Dr. Peter Gray's research on how children learn through play
Dr. Alison Gopnik's work on childhood development and learning
carla bergman's writing on radical learning communities
When given freedom within appropriate boundaries, children develop intrinsic motivation, creative problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence that serves them throughout life.
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Our facilitators are not traditional teachers. They are skilled guides who:
Create a physically and emotionally safe environment
Model curiosity and lifelong learning
Support children in developing tools for collaboration
Help students reflect on their growth
Connect students with resources and opportunities
