At Raw Learning we facilitate a personalized education for each student.  The environment considers the whole child by making opportunities available for their mind, body and spirit to be nourished.  Safety and freedom go hand in hand while the children explore their world.

Raw Learning is a place for children to come together using their own curiosity as a guide for what they will discover next.  Volunteers act as adult mentors to facilitate deeper investigation into the specific interests of each child.  Policies are made by people who are involved in the day to day operation of Raw Learning.  Children and adults decide by consensus the rules that would help their learning.  Everyone works together to find solutions to all problems that work for Raw Learning as a whole and for each individual child.

our volunteers and teachers

The charge of the responsible adults is to listen attentively and observe carefully to gain better understanding of the children’s pursuits, questions, and curiosities and to provide resources and challenges for them to investigate the subject to their satisfaction.  Volunteers will also record and preserve evidence of progress through the least distracting manner possible. There will be a minimum of two adult volunteers at Raw Learning at all times.

Teachers are parents, community members and students who volunteer to lead a non-compulsory class because of their desire to do so and to enrich the learning of others.  They will need to show how engaging their subject is to hold the fascination and interest of their students.

Gleamer is Mom to a daughter, Riesling, and a son named Cashel, who are 8 and 6, respectively.  She and her husband Joe live in Grottoes.  While homeschooling in 2008, Gleamer observed the great joy her children and others derived from the option to learn and interact with their peers on a consistent basis.  This is the inspiration for Raw Learning, which opened in September of 2009.

Gleamer attended the Alternative Education Resource Organization's annual conference in Albany, NY in 2009 and 2010 as well as the Unschooler's Waterpark Gathering in Sandusky, OH in May of 2011.

During the Winter Trimester, Gleamer shares her love of nutrition and cooking .  French Cuisine, Food Challenge and Nutrition for Kids and Their Parents will be offered. Please see the classes tab and field trips tab for more information.

Joe is a supportive husband and Dad.  He loves to solve problems; the harder, the better!  He regularly conducts "dinner science experiments".  Riesling and Cashel love to participate in the revelry of learning with their Dad.

 tax-exempt status and accreditation

We are currently in the process of applying for tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service.  Once approved, contributions may be tax-deductible retroactive to the date of application.

Accreditation through a Virginia Department of Education approved organization will be established as soon as possible.

location

Raw Learning is located on the lower level in the back of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, where Staunton Montessori was formerly situated.  Raw Learning does not have any association with the Lutheran Church.  We lease 2 large rooms, the small fellowship hall and a storage room and share use of the playground and south lawn.