The Dome School is a parent-cooperative learning center for families who want to participate in their child’s education.

At the Dome School, we strive to work with the whole child.  We are concerned with helping children develop their academic potential, but are equally concerned with their social and emotional development. We want children to be able to be creative and allow their natural curiosity to thrive. The challenge we face as teachers is to respond to each child and meet his or her needs.

Information for Parents

Creativity

Teachers & parents facilitate unique and varied opportunities for creative learning.

Emotional

We support the unique needs of each child while practicing non-violent solutions to problems.

Nurture

Our classroom culture nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of the whole child.

Community

Located in the Takilma Community Building, our building is regularly utilized for enrichment programs and celebratory events.

OUR MISSION

The Dome School works hand-in-hand with families to ignite a lifelong love of learning and a deep caring for the diversity of humanity and the natural world. By weaving together school, family and community, we create a sense of belonging that empowers children to be leaders in a changing world.

OUR VALUES
Teach the whole child: body, mind, and spirit
Create a positive, warm, welcoming, and nurturing learning environment for students
Incorporate thematic learning that is based on children’s preferences, interests, and abilities
Value unstructured play, creativity, and community-building as integral to the school day
Use inquiry-based education techniques to foster discovery, creativity, communication, and teamwork so that students understand concepts instead of just memorizing information
Use non-violent conflict resolution techniques to help children learn from mistakes instead of punishing them for their mistakes
Group children into small, multi-level, multi-grade classrooms to encourage children to learn from one another as well as from teachers
Emphasize the development of children’s self-esteem and self-regulation
Continue the Dome School tradition as a parent cooperative
Provide home-cooked, nutritious meals
Treat every child as a unique, creative, intelligent, and capable individual

The Dome School History

The Dome School began in 1975 as a home schooling collective. The classes were held in a dome structure located in Takilma, Oregon. In 1976 the school was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. In 1979, the need for a larger and more permanent facility brought the community together to build the school’s present building, known locally as the Takilma Community Building (TCB).

The present structure is a multi-purpose building located on eight acres of community-owned land. The forested location provides a relaxed, natural atmosphere and many opportunities for science, nature studies and recreation.
Parent and community involvement has always been integral to the functioning of the school. To be a part of the rhythm of the day is an enriching experience for both parent and child. The teachers integrate the interests of the children, the parents and the community volunteers to create a curriculum that is unique each year.

More than just a joyful place

Learn more about enrollment, parent participation, and volunteer information.

Information for Parents