Thoreau College
Vitals
- GYA Accredited Since: Unaccredited by the GYA. Please see the Standards for more information.
-
Enrolling:
Yes - Mission Statement:
Rooted in the ridges and valleys of the Driftless Region of the upper Midwest, Thoreau College models a transformative liberal arts curriculum that immerses students in authentic community, shared labor and governance, and rigorous engagement with great works and natural phenomena. Thoreau College creates a context where students can nurture their sacred curiosity, connect with their deepest selves, and cultivate the capacities they will need to manifest their highest aspirations for the world.
Thoreau College understands liberal arts education to be fundamentally concerned with the cultivation of free human beings who have the capacity to impart direction and meaning to their lives and bring about positive transformation in the world. In our striving to realize an education that meets the needs of the whole human being–body, soul and spirit–we have been deeply informed by the lives and work of Henry David Thoreau (author of Walden), Rudolf Steiner (founder of Waldorf education), and LL Nunn (founder of Deep Springs College). -
Level of Independence/Supervision (mouse-over for definition):
12345
Attachments
Program Locations
Typical Itinerary
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | |
|
W e e k 1 |
Movement & Singing Ecological Literature Discussion Work in garden | Movement & Singing Cooking Workshop Labor on Farm Philosophy Seminar | Movement & Singing Ecological Literature Discussion Community service work with local partner | Movement & Singing Cooking Workshop Figure drawing class | Movement & Singing Ecological Literature Discussion All School Lunch | Folk School Classes | |
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | |
|
W e e k 2 |
Wilderness Expedition | Wlderness Expedition | Wilderness Expedition | Wilderness Expedition | Wilderness Expedition |
Program Outcomes
- Building a strong sense of community
- Hands on experience with plants, livestock, and tools
- Deeper awareness of natural and cosmic cycles
- Engagement with questions of ethics, meaning, and symbolic thinking
- Practical and spiritual connection to place and other people
- Skills for self-governance, decision making, and conflict resolution
- Skills for harvesting, cooking, and preparing food
- Deepening capacities to make beauty through art and folk crafts
- Personal resilience, tenacity, and problem solving skills through expeditionary learning
- Fun!
Metamorphosis Gap Semester Program is a full time, in-person program incorporating intellectual work, manual labor, fine arts and folk skills, wilderness expeditions, and community self-governance. Student participate in work on campus farm and garden projects, where they cultivate skills and knowledge related to plants, soils, land stewardship, and the cultural and cosmic cycles of the year. The program includes courses in ecological literature and philosophy, cooking and kitchen skills, and foraging and wildcrafting, as well as fine arts, crafts, and wilderness expeditions.
This is a perfect program for young adults who are mature, tenacious, curious, collaborative, open, idealistic, and ready to get their hands dirty literally and figuratively.
Program Details
- Program Starts: Fall
- Program Duration: Semester
- Typical Program Cost: $8500
- Program Financial Aid: Yes
- Other Financial Aid Details:
Admissions is need-blind and we are committed to enabling all admitted students to attend. After a student is admitted, we hold a financial pledge meeting to determine a contribution that the student and their family can afford.
Staff Training and Certification
We have a diverse group of staff with various degrees and certifications.