Empowering children of today to be the change makers of tomorrow.
Learning by living
It’s not about what we learn, but how we learn. We are a life learning community of solution thinkers, creative entrepreneurial, and sustainable NOW makers to create a thriving future for themselves, others and the world.
Adapt to the now
We continuously challenge and reinvent the way we learn, teach and grow adapting to today’s world. Our future starts now and it is up to us how we design life.
The child as center
In NOW school children have ownership over their learning journey and the freedom to be curious. As entrepreneurs the children are guided by our educators and by life. In this way, they develop their outlook on life.
Authentic & engaging educators
As an educator you have the freedom to design engaging learning experiences and bring them to life with great purpose. Educators are heroes and we expect you to coach from who you are.
Sustainable playground
The world is the classroom and playing is the highest form of research. It’s not just the children who learn, we all learn together. Through real life learning we connect to ourselves, others and all what’s out there.
We are starting NOW
The world is changing and so are we. Over the last two years we have developed an unconventional perspective on learning. To start such a school, you need to be a little bit goofy. At the same time, we trust that together we will create the proper ‘environment’. Help us to make NOW?
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Become a #changemaker and support NOW school.
Why NOW?
The education system expects children to learn and adapt, while in itself it hasn’t been challenged to learn or adapt since the industrial revolution. We asked ourselves, how can we transition from a linear economy-driven system to an adaptive learning ecosystem that is future proof and solution-based. How can we, as a community of learners, continually question, what is school for?
What is school for?
Prince EAThe education system expects children to learn and adapt, while in itself the system hasn’t been challenged to learn or adapt since the industrial revolution. We asked ourselves. What is school for?
NOW school is a new, English language, K-12 international school in Utrecht, the Netherlands. We aim for the school to open its doors in September 2020.
Support usWhy is this important?
NOW school is not ‘preparing’ children for the real world, from the beginning they take ‘part’ in the real world. In this way they learn the interconnection of all life and approach it through a holistic lens. In this way they learn what they love to do, nourishing and developing what they are good at, while doing something the world needs and while get economically rewarded.
Community
Time to build relationships, social-emotional involvement and joint celebrations.
The Base
Time for mathematics, developing strong writing skills, discussing read books and getting acquainted with key concepts of science.
Field Trips
A day on the road, in nature or in the city, discovering, playing and making your hands dirty.
Entrepreneurship
Real-life project work for the development of 21st century skills, according to consistent design processes with real impact.
Extensions
Opportunities to continue project work or to participate in language, art, music and sports experiences.
The World
A fully integrated learning experience and exposure to the world and its cultures. With an eye for the environment.
Learning eco-system
At NOW school we believe changing the world is a truly great way to live your life. The learning programme is designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and skills, promote foundational literacies & arts while fostering healthy social-emotional development.
The Ikigai Method
NOW School empowers kids to discover what they love, to acquire skills that will be valuable in the future, and to learn to adapt.
Read moreSustainable Development Goals
We believe that the best way to prepare students for the real world is to be fully engaged in it, now.
Read more
Old School vs. NOW School
Purpose
Old SchoolPreparing for post-secondary education or employment - for individual prosperity
NOW SchoolLiving a purposeful and fulfilling life -for collective prosperity
Goal
Old SchoolBuilding a knowledge base; knowing the right answers
NOW SchoolDeveloping competencies, values, knowledge and motivation to change the world, while learning about and being in harmony with self
Learning process
Old SchoolKnowledge is absorbed through lectures, worksheets, text
NOW SchoolDevelopment happens through real life projects, community-involved, entrepreneurial learning
Pathway
Old SchoolLinear, school centred, one size fits all, with few pathways
NOW SchoolDivergent, differentiated, with many pathways
Content
Old SchoolDisciplines are separated into subjects, delivered in a scope & sequence
NOW SchoolContent is integrated, inquiry-driven, derived from the real world and local context
Teachers
Old SchoolTeachers are experts, authoritative approach, transfer of knowledge
NOW SchoolTeachers and community members are collaborators and facilitators, democratic, seeking knowledge and making change together
Learners
Old SchoolStudents learn, receive and follow instructions, organised by birth year
NOW SchoolCommunity learns and acts, organised by interests
Environment
Old SchoolIndoor classrooms, static, desks organised by rows, canteen food
NOW SchoolIntegrated with the natural environment, sustainable materials and practices, quality food, the world as your classroom
Time
Old SchoolStructured timetables, short periods of study
NOW SchoolFlexible timetables, long blocks of projects and cross-curricular study
Assessment & Reporting
Old SchoolTesting for knowledge and skill development; reports as grades
NOW SchoolOngoing feedback and self-reflection for skill, knowledge and social-emotional development; reports as narrative
Measure of success
Old SchoolUniversity or college entrance through grades and test-scores; get a good job
NOW SchoolActions to make our world a better place; university or college entrance through portfolio; create great jobs
Why we do what we do?
We believe that education for sustainability is fundamental for real change. We understand that we are the creators of our problems. And so we can rethink the way we live and be part of the solution. It all starts with education and enabling children to be who they truly are. That motivates us every day. We live and lead the change we love to see in this world.
