The Deep Green Bush-School
The Deep Green Bush-School ran from January 2017 to August 2020. It was a unique and meaningful educational project.
So did the Deep Green Bush-School model work?
The students were happy, in a stress-free and screen-free environment, surrounded by nature, developing social and emotional intelligence, developing ecological intelligence, and they learned at their own pace. At the time, families expressed satisfaction with the school and its approach and the desire for the school to continue.
The students were happy, in a stress-free and screen-free environment, surrounded by nature, developing social and emotional intelligence, developing ecological intelligence, and they learned at their own pace. At the time, families expressed satisfaction with the school and its approach and the desire for the school to continue.
What was the Deep Green Bush-School model?
In a nutshell, the model was based on human evolution and the science of how we learn, featuring these main elements:
In a nutshell, the model was based on human evolution and the science of how we learn, featuring these main elements:
- free play in nature
- tech-free (no phones, no screens, etc.)
- no set classes
- no coercion
- listening to, and responding to student requests
- mixed ages
- respect for indigenous wisdom and knowledge
- restorative justice
Why did the Deep Green Bush-School close?
Over time, very serious and unresolved conflicts developed between the co-owners that extended beyond professional disagreements and into personal and legal territory. As is often the case in complex situations, no one had the full picture of all facts, pressures, and motivations. This directly led to the school's closure and the perpetual pain and harm that results (to all parties) when healthy conflict resolution approaches are ignored.
Over time, very serious and unresolved conflicts developed between the co-owners that extended beyond professional disagreements and into personal and legal territory. As is often the case in complex situations, no one had the full picture of all facts, pressures, and motivations. This directly led to the school's closure and the perpetual pain and harm that results (to all parties) when healthy conflict resolution approaches are ignored.
Who are you?
I'm Joey Moncarz. I was a co-owner and co-director of the Deep Green Bush-School and was involved in its day-to-day educational and operational management, including teaching, administration, and program development.
The other co-owner and co-director was Oksana Simonoff, whose professional background is in corporate and state accounting.
I'm Joey Moncarz. I was a co-owner and co-director of the Deep Green Bush-School and was involved in its day-to-day educational and operational management, including teaching, administration, and program development.
The other co-owner and co-director was Oksana Simonoff, whose professional background is in corporate and state accounting.