Updated 2026-04-21

Meraki School of Democracy  (startup)

We are a private school and enrichment program for youth, ages 5-18, based in values of youth autonomy, responsibility, community, and self-directed education.
Bria Bloom and Brooklyn Wetzel founder
Schools • Co-ops & Resource Centers
https://www.merakischool.org
click to see email
Address: TBD

Description

We are a private school and enrichment program for youth, ages 5-18.

At Meraki, young people learn through following their interests and passions, free play, interacting and managing conflict in community, navigating relationships, self-chosen activities and deep dives, consensus decision-making, and more.

We believe in self-directed, community-rooted, consent-based education. All of our activities and offerings are opt-in, except for a few key community practices which are required, such as General Assembly (our decision-making meeting), and our clean-up time to take care of our space.

School is a place to learn, live, prepare for the rest of your life, and support you in your life RIGHT now! Our current culture is deeply informed by how we structure and organize our communities and educational opportunities for youth — essentially laying the groundwork for our future culture. If we want to see a change in the world it will start with transforming the experiences of youth.

Our model is inspired by lived experience with Indigenous values, unschooling, and the Sudbury, Agile Learning Center, Liberated Learners Center, and Self-Directed Education school/center models.

SDE Optimizing Conditions

ASDE surveys all SDE communities/programs about how they provide, enhance, or align with each of the Six Optimizing Conditions for young people to succeed in SDE.  Survey answers:
  1. Responsibility – All activities and offerings are opt-in, and we are based in the philosophy of self-directed education, where youth are in charge of their own learning. They also have a responsibility to others and the community, and access to leadership.
  2. Youth Autonomy – Our school will have many offerings, but everything is opt-in and there is plenty of time to explore, get bored, play, hang out, and more. We believe in support and mentorship as needed/asked for, but not imposed.
  3. Access to Tools and Technology – We will provide various tools of the culture (including technology!) in our program.
  4. Adult Allies – Our facilitators will be rooted in a culture of anti-adultist practice, ongoing deschooling, and having a strong understanding and belief in youth liberation and rights.
  5. Free Age Mixing – Yes! Our school is ages 5-18 with activities separated by self opt-in and interest, not by age.
  6. Community – Our school is a youth-controlled community space, where everyone has a voice. Our decision-making process is consensus based.

If any information about this resource is out of date, please let us know.