Gaia Democratic School 1219 University Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55414

"Making a family choice to enroll in Gaia was the best decision we could ever make. My children are happy and thriving. The staff people are beyond exceptional."

"Gaia is so great! So glad I went there/ SFS, its parent school. Proud to say I was the last graduate of SFS and the first graduate of Gaia. Still an important community to me that I volunteer at and remain part of because its inter generational and everyone's voice is heard and respect for the community, the space, and yourself is fostered. Students are encouraged and supported in learning about anything they are interested in. When I visited for my first day 7 years ago my second month into 7th grade I went into any new situation feeling pretty shy, and I was grateful I was able to do what I wanted, and sat down at the pottery wheel, and an older student offered advice to get me started. I was able to go my own pace and felt comfortable quickly! I spent a lot of time teaching myself (and getting a few lessons) how to play drums and piano, and saxophone. The first bike repair class I took was there, and I had help writing a grant and bought 150 bucks to buy bike tools and we had a kinda community bike skill share and open shop whenever we wanted. I also became interested in herbalism, and started learning as much as I could there, and got help getting into the PSEO program at MCTC to further my education in herbalism and other subjects. With the location of Gaia Democratic School now, MCTC just being across the park it would be so convenient for any PSEO students. Aside from learning about particular subjects, one of my favorite things is all the interesting conversations I would have with everyone in the school about anything and everything. I had a lot of free time to play and run around to get my energy out, which helped me mellow out and focus on things I was interested in learning, too. Of course the democratic aspect of the school is very important to me, and it is the truest form of democracy I have been involved in, and I can say that I am more aware of my place in a group and community setting and better able to work together, listen to others as well as being able to voice my own thoughts when I feel I need to. I truly wish everyone in the world had access to this kind of education and community environment."

"Free Schools turn great kids into powerful self-directed adults. Many people can't handle the concept of freedom in their own lives, so they can't imagine such a thing in children. Gaia helps kids become the people they want to be."

"As a former student and volunteer staff, I believe that being a part of this community is the greatest food for the growth of your soul. Youth are treated as actual people who contribute to the world. Not in a theoretical future, but now and in the every day. I learned how to take initiative, be curious, how to find resolutions and explore limitless alternatives to the normative standards we are fed by convenience. I was able to discover my true self at this school in a safe space without shame, and so have all the other people who have found this community and made it their own. Thank you to everyone who continually creates and re-creates this school."

"Our family loves Gaia Democratic School! My children learn at their own pace and in their own time. Gaia has a wonderful community that welcomes the whole family. I can't imagine sending my kids anywhere else."