The New Roots Project

Outdoor education for extraordinary times

New Roots is currently closed for the winter and will open enrollment for spring of 2025.

Ages:

7-12

days and time:

Tuesday and/or Thursday, 8:30AM-3:00PM

Type of Program:

Outdoor Education Enrichment Opportunity



OVERVIEW of program

New Roots is entering it’s fifth year as an interdisciplinary, outdoor, multi-aged educational program serving area children ages 7-12. Our energized group of teachers, artists, and craftspeople collaboratively run New Roots at the Willowell Foundation Land in Monkton. Our curriculum offers education grounded in collaborative and emergent learning opportunities aimed at developing student agency and confidence.

At New Roots, students will engage with curriculum built around developing wildlife skills, creating art and theater, exploring elements of science, carpentry and mathematics, community building and fire making, games, mindfulness, and so much more!

Read Class Descriptions Here!



how might new roots work for your student?

New Roots Project fits both within the frame of a homeschool program and more tradition school models. Some children in New Roots are enrolled in public school and choose to spend one or two days a week at New Roots as a supplement to their education. Each school and classroom respond to this differently, but many schools are supportive of this choice. In most cases, students are able to find a rhythm between programs, and with the right support, thrive with the addition of New Roots curriculum and time outdoors. If you have questions or concerns about how to integrate New Roots Project programming into your child’s education, please contact: info@willowell.org.

New Roots is not an accredited school and cannot provide grades or transcripts for other school programs. New Roots Project may provide a student narrative discussing your child’s involvement in our classwork upon request.

New Roots Project is an outdoor program

The New Roots Project runs entirely outdoors through varying weather. For students to fully immerse themselves in this program we ask that they come prepared to get dirty, and learn through the elements of Vermont weather (it may be cold and wet). We ask that students wear comfortable and practical clothing. If you need help accessing adequate winter gear so your child can engage fully in the program please let us know- we are happy to help source warm gear for families. 

class blocks

New Roots will run in three-week class blocks for the 2024-25 school year. Classes will run in morning and afternoon sessions; each day will be designated by a recommended age group. Families may choose class blocks that best fit their child’s age, educational needs and interests.

Currently until further scheduling is made, classes will run: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 AM- 3:30 PM

New Roots Project will continue to follow the MAUSD school calendar in terms of observing inclement weather closings, vacations, and some early release days. Class block pricing will reflect unscheduled classes that are due to early release and/or vacations.

For more information regarding the schedule and description of classes, visit our New Roots Project fall programming page. Willowell will open registration for additional class blocks in early October.


LOCATION

Stoney Meadow Lane
Monkton, VT 05443

This program will run outdoors through all weather.

Tuition and PAYMENT

Each class day runs in a three-week block, and, unless otherwise noted, is $210.00. You may select as many days in a block as is appropriate for your child’s age and interests.

Families will choose their desired class blocks and submit payment through the registration form or via check.

You may make checks payable to:

The Willowell Foundation PO Box 314 Bristol, VT 05443

Please write “New Roots” and your child’s name in the check memo.

If your family requires financial assistance for New Roots Project, please fill out the financial aid application.

 New Roots Teachers

Check out our Staff and Board Bios to learn about our awesome New Roots team.