The Open School

The Open School The Open School is Orange County's first and only democratic free school. Apply today: openschooloc.com/wp/admissions What are you waiting for?

The Open School is Orange County’s first and only democratic free school. Instead of curriculum and classes, students learn through life and democracy. Instead of teachers, they learn from everyone. Our students grow in independence, responsibility, and compassion by practicing these things daily and authentically. Freedom means students are responsible for their own learning. They learn by playing, conversing, and pursuing their passions. Staff do not assign work, teach classes, or give tests. Students learn self-discipline by practicing it daily. They focus deeply on their passions, set their own pace, and are responsible for their own outcomes. Democracy means students are truly in control of their school. Students and staff have equal voice in all school business, including making and enforcing the rules, developing programs, and budgeting. Every individual in the community, whether five years old or fifty, has the same power to advocate for his or her interests. The future is open. Apply now: openschooloc.com/wp/admissions

Some photos from our egg drop challenge. Lots of fun and lots of broken eggs!
09/15/2026

Some photos from our egg drop challenge. Lots of fun and lots of broken eggs!

09/15/2026

The classic egg drop challenge! We have “buddy Olympics” where our big and little buddies work together to overcome a challenge.

A group of students are helping to build our raised beds! Gardening: here we come
09/14/2026

A group of students are helping to build our raised beds! Gardening: here we come

“These kids are far more advanced in the skills needed to succeed as an adult. They are not afraid to get dirty, they en...
09/14/2026

“These kids are far more advanced in the skills needed to succeed as an adult. They are not afraid to get dirty, they enjoy it. They know mistakes and failures are an important step to learning.”

Quote Credit: Open School Parent
Photo Credit: The Open School

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” — Albert Einstein A new sc...
09/01/2026

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” — Albert Einstein

A new school year brings new questions, new interests, new adventures, and countless opportunities to follow curiosity wherever it leads. Here’s to a year of discovery, connection, creativity, and learning that happens in all kinds of unexpected ways. Let the exploring begin! ❤️🥳

We are at the Tustin Sunset market tonight! Come say hi and make a bracelet.
08/21/2026

We are at the Tustin Sunset market tonight! Come say hi and make a bracelet.

🎶 Music is more than something we listen to—it’s something we share. At The Open School, music can be a way for students...
08/20/2026

🎶 Music is more than something we listen to—it’s something we share.

At The Open School, music can be a way for students to express themselves, connect with one another, explore their creativity, and share something meaningful with their community.

In The Spirit of Music Share, discover how the simple act of making and sharing music can create connection, confidence, joy, and a sense of belonging. Because sometimes learning happens in a song, a rhythm, a performance—or simply in the courage to share something you love with others.

Read the full post: The Spirit of Music Share

https://openschooloc.com/2025/01/31/the-spirit-of-music-share/

While that is true, it only tells part of the story. The reality is that the school is a community of individuals in sup...
08/20/2026

While that is true, it only tells part of the story. The reality is that the school is a community of individuals in support of each other’s journeys. The community provides resources, support, encouragement, and feedback. Staff are available to help advise and guide students. Students can elect to join or create activities, committees, classes, workshops, hangouts, and more all in pursuit of what is important to them.

Quote Credit: Open School Staff
Photo Credit: The Open School

“We stress student autonomy, including the ability to make decisions about how to spend your time. We carefully protect ...
08/19/2026

“We stress student autonomy, including the ability to make decisions about how to spend your time. We carefully protect a student’s right to voice their opinion. We try to make it safe for a student to live as their authentic self. We support them on their individual journeys as they explore widely, dive deeply, play, and make meaning out of their experiences.”

Quote Credit: Open School Staff
Photo Credit: The Open School

“The Open School makes Monday the best day of the week!” 💚One of our students chose these words as their yearbook quote—...
08/19/2026

“The Open School makes Monday the best day of the week!” 💚

One of our students chose these words as their yearbook quote—and we think it says a lot about what Self-Directed Education can feel like. 🌱✨

When young people have ownership over their time and education, school can become a place they’re genuinely excited to return to.

Address

2626 North Grand Avenue
Santa Ana, CA
92705

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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