We affirm the concept that “Life is learning”.  It is impossible not to learn as learning always transpires.  Classrooms are only one place where learning might happen and to restrict students within them hinders their ability to learn and grow.  There is a world of knowledge available outside of the classroom.  We learn from the environment around us.  We learn by doing, faltering, succeeding and by experimentation.  We learn from our interactions, conversations and social activities with others.  We learn by listening with others, but mostly we learn by listening to ourselves.  Can a limited classroom with one teacher, cement walls, fluorescent lights, chairs and the like recreate the enormousness of what the world outside has to offer us? 

At the Emerson Lily Free School, we have a building, but the students are free to move within its rooms, to go outside at will and staff is always accessible.  We encourage students to get out into and to be a part of the community.  Trips with individual students or groups are regularly planned to natural habitats, museums, colleges and universities, galleries, libraries, farms, zoos, historical sites, etc. Students may enjoy taking a college class (at any age!), internships, apprenticeships or visiting businesses in the local area.  Students are encouraged to play outside, in the gym and to participate in our garden.  Our school building doesn't confine, but is a place to gather together as a community and even go forth.