Question 1

What is self-directed education?

Accepted Answer

Self-directed education is the belief that students learn best when they have the freedom to pursue their own interests, questions, & goals—rather than following a set curriculum. At Embark Center, students design their own learning journeys with the support of mentors, peers, & real-world learning.

Question 2

How do kids learn what they “need” to know without classes?

Accepted Answer

Learning doesn’t only happen through  classes. Students learn through projects, conversations, independent study, group activities, and mentorship. When a student decides they want to explore a subject, we help them find the right resources, classes, or guidance.

Question 3

What does it mean that Embark Center is “democratic”?

Accepted Answer

Embark Center uses consent-based (sociocratic)decision-making. That means students have a real say in how our community is run—from planning activities to setting agreements. Everyone’s voice matters, and decisions are made together, not handed down. It's student government that actually functions.

Question 4

Can students get into college from a self-directed path?

Accepted Answer

Yes!. Many of our alumni have chosen college, &  admissions offices often value their independence, creativity, and initiative. We guide families through dual enrollment, transcripts, applications, & alternative pathways after high school such as college, internships, entering the workforce, & more.

Question 5

What is a typical day like at Embark Center?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t one “typical” day—because students design their own. Some days might include group discussions, art, gaming, outdoor exploration, workshops, or quiet project time. What’s consistent is that students are actively choosing how they spend their time and contributing to community life.

Question 6

Is Embark Center a therapeutic or special needs school?

Accepted Answer

No. We are not a therapeutic program, but many neurodiverse learners thrive here because we treat them with respect, flexibility, & agency. Our environment removes the stressors of compulsory schooling & lets students grow at their own pace. We are not affiliated with Embark Behavioral Health.

Question 7

What is Embark Center's relationship with homeschooling?

Accepted Answer

Families who join Embark are legally homeschooling, but Embark Center is not “school at home.” Instead, it’s a community space where students collaborate, create, and explore their interests with support and resources beyond what they might normally have access to.

Question 8

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

Embark Center is open Mondays through Thursdays, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. We follow a traditional school year calendar with breaks in the winter, spring, and summer.

Question 9

What ages can attend?

Accepted Answer

Embark Center is for young people ages 10–18.

Question 10

How much is tuition?

Accepted Answer

For 2025/26, tuition for up to 4 days a week is $13,900 & $9,900 for up to 2 days a week. Embark Center is a 501c 3 nonprofit dedicated to economic equity that offers need-based financial aid to those who qualify. We currently have rolling admissions & pro-rate tuition for those starting mid-year.

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