One of the primary goals of any education should be to help children grow into independent, self-motivated adults, capable of taking the initiative in the management of their lives. The Trillium School accomplishes this goal by creating an environment where students practice independence and initiative every day.

The Trillium curriculum is self-directed, meaning that students have both the opportunity and the responsibility to shape their own education. This means that staff do not control the environment or dictate student activities. Instead, they are available as resources to students whenever they are needed.  In an environment where one’s actions are constantly directed, it is easy to become reliant on such direction. In contrast, Trillium students learn to resolve their own conflicts and problems without depending upon adults to “fix” things for them. Like all adults, students have the chance to learn through both success and failure. Through this process they learn the incredibly valuable skill of identifying and following their own interests and passions, and they are able to reach depths in these areas that might not be possible in more “structured” environments.

The vital, and challenging, task of direction is left in the hands of students. Having learned how to manage their own time and direct their own activities, students leave Trillium with the ability to direct their own lives as competent, independent adults.