#

Background

The Jackknife Learning Collective was founded in 2020 by two families in the Fingerlakes region in response to the growing need for learner-centered education models. As traditional schooling systems often prioritize standardized curricula over individual passions, many learners find themselves disengaged. Our collective seeks to change that by offering an open and flexible approach to learning, where the focus is on what learners are genuinely interested in. We exist to support families who are interested in disentangling their lives from the public model and need alternatives to traditional models of instruction. We have grown only through the shared efforts and resources of our members.

Sharing Resources

Our collective is a hub for resources and mentorship. We offer a variety of tools, including access to equipment, digital platforms, maker spaces, educational software, and materials, that cater to a broad range of interests. Through partnerships between families and with local experts and professionals, we connect learners with mentors who can guide them in their chosen fields. We emphasize personalized learning plans, where participants outline their goals and we work together to craft a pathway tailored to their specific needs. Our approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and self-motivation, equipping learners with the skills needed for both academic success and personal fulfillment. Our members have won film festivals, hosted radio programs, published their own music and magazines, designed and built play structures, and much more. Above all, we value the safety and privacy of our members. If you think your family might benefit from our group, please get in touch with us through the contact form below. None of the information we receive will be shared with any third parties, and the JLC does not engage with any social media platforms as a matter of policy.

img