Welcoming New Partners: Expanding the Place Network with Three Inspiring Schools
We are thrilled to announce the addition of three incredible new partner schools to the Place Network, thanks to the generous funding of All Points North Foundation! These schools share our commitment to connecting students deeply with their local communities and environments while fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and positive community impact. We believe these partnerships will not only enrich the educational experiences of students but also strengthen the bonds between schools and their communities, leading to lasting, positive outcomes.
The James and Grace Lee Boggs School (Detroit, Michigan)
The James & Grace Lee Boggs School, located in Detroit, Michigan, is a vibrant public charter school dedicated to nurturing creative and critical thinkers who actively contribute to their communities. With a strong emphasis on place-based education, the school integrates local heritage, cultures, landscapes, and opportunities into its curriculum, fostering a deep sense of place and community engagement among students. The school’s core values include critical thought, creativity, excellence in teaching, equity within both human relationships and the natural world, and authentic, trusting relationships—all aimed at empowering both the community and the students. Boggs School’s mission is to provide the tools for students to achieve ambitious goals, live meaningful lives, and develop a strong sense of stewardship for Detroit. By connecting students with themselves, each other, and the earth, the Boggs School aims to “grow souls” and foster a better future for all.
The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science (Portland, Oregon)
The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science in Portland, Oregon, is a public charter school dedicated to place-based education. This unique approach connects students to their community and environment through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. The school’s mission is to foster creative learning environments where students develop a strong sense of place, become stewards of the natural world, and active citizens. Emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Cottonwood integrates local history, cultures, and ecosystems into its curriculum, ensuring a holistic and engaged educational experience for all students.
Grand Rapids Museum School (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Grand Rapids Museum School offers a unique educational experience by immersing middle- and high-school students in an innovative learning environment that combines traditional academics with the resources of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. This award-winning school’s curriculum is designed around inquiry-based learning and project-based experiences, encouraging students to explore and investigate the world around them. By partnering with Place Network, the Grand Rapids Museum School will expand its already robust place-based education programs, providing students with even more opportunities to connect with their community and engage in meaningful, impactful learning experiences.
We are excited to welcome these schools to our network and look forward to supporting them as they continue to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together!
