A CLASSROOM FOR ALL
Space of Mind is an innovative educational experience designed for individuals to gather an education while obtaining life skills through a social homeschooling environment.
It was founded in 2004 by Ali Kaufman, the program began after numerous years of working alongside the local Florida educative system. SOM began with just three students to help with alternative strategies of education and now the student body enrolled within program has increased significantly.
“I wanted something where kids can discover their passion, but also make a living out of that passion,” said Kaufman. “I want these kids to feel engaged and empowered at whatever they do.”
With the growth of Space of Mind, Kaufman and her team are set to open a new project called the Community Classroom Project which ultimately brings their approach out to a larger, public audience. CCP will be offering numerous programs such as culinary, music, drama, fashion, art and STEM, as well as a Parent Educator Resource Center (PERC) to help families, administrators and mental health professionals come together and improve the overall school experience.
Through the PERC, educators, mental health providers, parents and community leaders can have can have essential conversations that can change education but also family life at home as well. CCP will use a lab-based approach to bring the community together and enable participants from all demographics to access educational programming and resources through public-private partnerships, advocacy, school-to-school collaboration and thoughtful leadership.
Although Space of Mind is private, the new Community Classroom Project will be opened to the public. The 6,400 square foot facility is located directly next door to Space of Mind at 101 NW 1st Ave in Delray Beach in the heart of the historic arts district. CCP programs, classes, and educator and family resources will open later this season, but they are kicking off the excitement with the annual SOM Halloween Party on Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The theme will be Planet SOS, and the horror of global warming will be in full effect that night.
The general idea behind SOM and CCP, is for students to go on to college but more importantly be successful individuals in the real world. Kaufman thinks that the involvement and support of families, educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders is an important part of that process.
“At SOM we found a less stressful, more fun way of teaching kids, different aspects of education that students can apply to the real world,” said Kaufman. “We are so excited to share those lessons with educators and families through CCP and make the experience of learning and school less stressful for everyone.” For more information, call (877) 407- 1122 or admin@spaceofmind.com to schedule a tour or to inquiry additional information. Details can be found online at ccpdelray.org.
