Revolutionizing Education in Arcata: Welcome to Ditch School
Arcata is welcoming a transformative educational initiative with the launch of Ditch School, founded by a former local teacher and business owner. Ditch School is not an alternative school, but rather, an alternative to secondary school, designed to empower youth aged 11-18 to live life on their own terms while simultaneously meeting societal expectations for a high school diploma and college degree. Ditch also has a program for athletes and future lawyers!
The core mission of Ditch School is to combat cultural hegemony—the status quo that often upholds oppressive systems. Ditch is program where exceptional students—advanced learners, drop-outs, neurodiverse youth, competitive athletes, professional performers, and those who recognize that “supposed to” just isn’t cutting it—can thrive. Ditch School supports these diverse learners by providing a platform where traditional school constraints are replaced with opportunities tailored to individual needs and interests, often outside of academics.
For those drawn to unschooling—a philosophy that allows students to learn what they want, when they want, and how they want—Ditch School offers a customized approach. Students engage in early college courses, internships, jobs, individual purpose projects, and businesses. The program equips them with the tools needed to navigate bureaucracy and earn their high school diploma and college degree effectively, efficiently, and enjoyably. This student-driven model meets the needs of those the mainstream education model fails.
Plus, Ditch School includes two innovative programs that also extend beyond traditional local offerings. The Ditch Law Study program offers a practical alternative for students who have or are close to having 60 college credits and aspire to become lawyers without attending law school. Partnering with local attorneys, Ditch Law Study guides students through the California Law Office Study Program, providing a cost-effective pathway to the Bar exam.
Finally, Ditch School is offering a rigorous strength and flexibility program for local athletes via gymnastics skill and drill training. Offering daily three-hour sessions focused on conditioning, balance, flexibility, and skill progression, the program aims to produce elite Division 1 athletes. Both youth and adults can benefit from these intensive gymnastics-based workouts, designed to enhance athletic performance and fitness.
Ditch School represents a bold departure from mainstream, setting a new standard for how youth approach their education, sport, and careers. By supporting a diverse range of learners and providing innovative pathways, Ditch School’s success, featured in national media publications including the Guardian and the New York Times, is unmatched. Some Ditchers have helped to exonerate the wrongfully convicted, others are training for the Olympics, several own profitable businesses . . . if you or your teen want to join them, reach out at ditchschool.org or stop by their learning space at 858 10th St. above Humbrews.