Chagrin Valley Learning Collective

On Sunday, the CVLC community plans to share stories with prospective families that are seeking a program rooted in trust; we trust children to know what they need to learn and to make choices that will support their education (https://www.alcmosaic.org/). At the foundation of our program is every child that has helped shape our community. To those that have been present for six years (or less) and to the children that have come and gone, we are thankful for your curiosity, adaptability, respect, responsibility, and play.

Meet & Greet August 23rd from 1:00-3:00!

As we gear up for our 6th year as a student centered-home education learning pod, CVLC gives thanks to those that inspire and guide us. Our first shout out goes to Akilah S. Richards and The Alliance for Self-Directed Education.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbKQGNE1nUo

Deschooling is crucial!

The "Curiosity Chemical" Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is commonly misunderstood as the "pleasure chemical." In modern slang, we talk of "dopam...

“The good news is that you can opt out of the race. An increasing number of colleges and employers are recognizing that academic credentials aren’t the best predictors of career success, including prominent companies like Google. And many schools, like ours, are providing an environment that’s designed to let students flourish in their own ways and in their own time.” - Aaron Browder

Photo Quote - The Open School

We are Plural: "The "genius" of play-based learning is that it's part and parcel of a cooperative community, one in which "success" isn't judged by an authoritative adult, but rather by how well the play sustains itself. In other words, the reward is that the game continues, moving from one thing to another as individuals adjust, adapt, compromise and negotiate. Too often adults show up in the context of play as the killjoys, as the ones who scuttle the ebb and flow the games, often intervening just when it was "getting good."" To read the post, click this link: https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/08/we-are-plural.html

At CVLC, our community encourages the sharing of stories, knowledge, ideas, poems, artwork, and songs all while listening and practicing non-violent communication skills. We are all driven to learn from each other and to teach others what we know.

Conversations are consensual and children and adults are practicing what it means to accept feedback, self-regulate, and modify our behaviors to meet everyone's needs.

We'd appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate to your family what this looks like! Schedule a tour by emailing us at [email protected].
https://www.cnvc.org/learn/what-is-nvc

We can't stop children from being curious. Given the conditions to educate themselves, they are instinctually driven to explore and make sense of the world around them.

(https://petergray.substack.com/i/124689071/curiosity-the-drive-to-explore-and-understand)

Here's a sneak peek at CVLC's newsletter that highlights some of these discoveries each month.

We are gearing up for our September 1st start date. If you'd like more information about registering, email [email protected].

Northeast Ohio schools' composting merges sustainability, student action – The Land Schools throughout Northeast Ohio are turning food scraps into productive, environmentally-beneficial soil.

This is so important.

Play as an Act of Resistance If there is one lesson I have always wanted the children in my life to learn it is to question those in authority, like thei...

Exploring the Beachwood Playground today! If you're in the area, come join us until 1:00.