Bay State Learning Center
Cause Area
- Board Development
- Children & Youth
- Community
- Education & Literacy
Location
45 Bullard StreetDedham, MA 02026 United StatesWebsite:
http://baystatelearning.orgOrganization Information
Mission Statement
Bay State Learning Cooperative is a non-coercive learning environment for students ages 10-19. We do not have grades, tests, or specific curricular requirements. At Bay State Learning Center we think that the best and most lasting kind of learning is self-directed learning. At BSLC each student has the opportunity to work with a mentor to design a specialized learning program to fit his or her own needs, strengths, and interests. In addition to personalized support and a regular schedule of optional classes, BSLC provides a safe, comfortable environment where students can work, socialize, and thrive free of the coercion and pressure of traditional school.
Description
BSLC serves all kinds of students from successful straight A students who are bored or uninspired, to students who struggle with the imposed structure of school, to students who are disengaged and uninterested in standardized course work. Some want a better outlet for their creative ambitions and others have a specific area or discipline they want to focus on but find that the demands of school displace their interests. BSLC is for kids who need an open, flexible environment where they can find the security and freedom to succeed without irrelevant demands, arbitrary standardization, and institutional uniformity. Students like this can learn more and significantly improve their lives by leaving traditional school behind, and BSLC can provide them the opportunity to do so.