True North is a fully nature-based self-directed learning center in Santa Barbara County. Funds raised go directly to support our scholarship fund to help make outdoor, play-based learning more accessible in Santa Barbara. Currently, we serve approximately thirty families, and more than two-thirds of our families receive tuition assistance.

Our goal as a learning community is to sustain engaged play and the exploration of life. We do this by offering a space where trust, personal accountability, and relationship building are foundational to learning.

By re-creating the village with varying age groups from participants to facilitators to junior mentors and guest teachers, parents, and grandparents, we offer a place of learning and 'growing up' that honors the whole person.

True North Silent Auction

By True North Santa Barbara

True North Silent Auction

Help make self-directed education more accessible!

Team Members