The University of Denver chapter of Free School, commonly called Free Skool, began at the start of the winter quarter when, junior Colin Brauns devised the program after he experienced a Free Skool class while taking time off from school in Santa Cruz, Calif.
Free Skool is a non conventional, alternative form of education in which students learn about various subjects outside of mainstream education and economic systems. These programs are open to anyone in the community.
Free Skool started as a movement on the west coast, but in the past five years has begun gaining popularity elsewhere. In addition to Santa Cruz, active Free Skool programs exist in Olympia, Wash., Portland, Ore. and New York City.
Last fall, Brauns began organizing a Free Skool program on campus, which resulted in an informational meeting at the beginning of January where a schedule of classes was set up.
Brauns said Free Skool participants focus on learning and knowledge and come to teach and be supported.
Brauns said he felt that DU does not have enough of a community and felt that this must change.
“There is so much that social interaction can do for knowledge,” said Brauns. “[Free Skool] provides a place where people can be themselves.”
Brauns said Free Skool promotes community involvement and dialogue as well as a place where people can apply different sorts of knowledge where anyone can get involved including students and professors. DU community members can teach a subject or share a learning experience.
DU students have responded positively to Braun’s Free Skool classes.
“Learning outside the classroom is valuable, especially when another student is sharing his or her knowledge with others,” said freshman Charla Agnoletti.
The Free Skool classes usually have 12-20 students.
Last Wednesday marked the fourth class of the quarter and was taught by freshman Kasina Entzi on the subject of “The History of Pornography.” Upcoming class subjects include yoga, hip hop/jazz dance, sex, and graffiti.
A complete calendar of upcoming events and locations can be found on the DU Web site.
Classes take place every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 6 p.m. If you are interested in teaching a class, contact Brauns at colin.brauns@gmail.com.
