Freedom with CARE: Self-Directed Collaborative Learning Through Creative Projects

Learning by Doing at the CARE Society

At the CARE Society, we believe young people learn best when they have true agency and are trusted, supported, and encouraged to take charge of their education with care. Freedom with CARE is our approach to helping children and teens grow into thoughtful, capable, and caring human beings—people who use their freedom to make choices that benefit themselves, others, and the world.

Our collectively-owned CARE Learning Framework represents our shared vision for how self-directed learners and global citizens can live, learn, and grow with purpose. We embrace a “learn by doing” philosophy: we learn best through real-world experiences, meaningful projects, and collaboration within a caring community.

Our “3 Acts of Doing”—Creating, Helping, and Discovering—describe how caring people make a difference. This article focuses on Creating and how students develop as self-directed collaborators through creative projects.

Why Creative Projects?

Creative projects are at the heart of learning in the CARE Society. They are original learning creations that hold value in the real world—intellectually, socially, creatively, or practically. Through creative projects, students apply what they learn, explore their interests, and contribute to their community.

A creative project may include:

• Designing, proposing, and implementing a solution to a community problem

• Organizing a group event around a cultural, social, or learning topic

• Creating a product such as a song, video, 3D model, or written piece that inspires or teaches others

• Inventing, testing, and sharing a new or different way to do something useful

Some projects are deeply personal and individually designed; others are collaborative and involve multiple students working together toward a shared goal. In every case, students take ownership of the process and product—supported by peers and mentors who help them think critically, plan effectively, and iterate with care. We also practice celebrating and reflecting on projects through “demos” which help build confidence and community. 

Freedom With CARE as Self-Directed Creators

We help young people practice self-directed learning with support—not pressure, coercion, or forced pacing. Students make meaningful choices about what they learn, why they learn it, and how they share their learning with others. They are encouraged to explore new ideas that spark curiosity and align with their values, interests, and goals.

Our community offers multiple pathways for students to learn as self-directed creators:

Learning Pods

Small, community-based learning environments where trained educator-coaches guide students to design powerful, real-world projects. Students lead their own learning, reflect on their growth, and support one another with accountability, encouragement, and care. Pods offer the highest level of autonomy and collaboration.

Clubs, Workshops, & Mentoring

Interest-based gatherings and one-on-one or small-group support help students discover passions, develop skills, and connect with others who share similar interests.

Student-Created Spaces and Clubs

We empower students to take ownership of the CARE Society and create and manage their own clubs and spaces in our online platform. We partner with parents and all students to moderate and engage in our spaces to ensure safety and accountability.

Project-Based Courses

For students who want more structure, we offer educator-led courses with defined learning goals. Courses include scaffolding to support project design and skill-building while still allowing students to create their own projects to meet course objectives. Even in structured settings, learning remains consent-based, flexible, and student-driven.

Across all offerings, students practice both freedom and responsibility—building the habits, character, and collaborative skills needed to thrive in life, work, and community.

Join the CARE Society

If you’re seeking a learning community where young people are respected, trusted, and supported to learn in meaningful ways—we’d love to welcome you!

Families can get involved by joining a learning pod, enrolling in a course, attending events, or simply becoming part of our caring community. We are learning online together and we also support parents and educators who want to establish caring in-person learning cohorts around the world.

You are warmly invited to explore, create, and grow with us.