We are filled with gratitude as we end 2023.

1. What did you accomplish during 2023? How did you use money?
We ran pilot programs, gathered families, and opened our first school year in September! The donations and tuition payments we received liberated us to provide high-quality alternative education to 14 children in the Brattleboro area. Most of our operating budget goes to paying radical educators and guest villagers so that all of us can be sustained. For example, our small honoraria often go to local BIPOC artists and independent businessowners.

2. What challenges did you face during 2023? What did your Collective learn? How did you change or grow? 
Starting a school is messy. Fall was about getting to know each other, trying new things, building community partnerships, and learning how to gather. We experimented with activities, consent-based education, and routines. We appreciate everyone's willingness to be along for the ride and communicate with love. The more we gather, the better we have been able to define what gathering looks like for our village.

3. What are your plans for 2024? Anything exciting coming up?
We will reopen for the winter season in January with fresh ideas. Winter will be about finding abundance amidst what feels like scarcity, establishing stronger routines, and strengthening our relationships with each other and with the larger village.