Who we are

The Dandelion Project (TDP) is a learning community in South Philadelphia that supports self-directed, inclusive, and joyful learning. We offer camps, after school programs, and daytime learning for youth ages 5-14, providing a space where young people can explore their passions, build community, and explore the natural environment.

Our Mission

Our mission is to create equitable, supportive, and empowering partnerships with young people. We support young people to identify and develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead meaningful lives. At TDP, every individual—regardless of age—is seen as a teacher, learner, problem solver, and community builder, with valuable points of view and experiences to share.

Our Approach

We trust that learning happens best when young people are invited to explore, experiment, play, question, and interact with the real world, while being immersed in, responsible to, and supported by a caring community.

We affirm that young people deserve a voice in what and how they learn, providing a responsive environment tailored to their interests and needs. We integrate practical skills in literacy, math, history, and science through activities inspired by interests expressed by kids. At the same time, we prioritize holistic growth, helping learners develop tools they need to thrive both now and in the future.

Here’s are a few of the skills we create space for kids to build:

1. Social Emotional Learning

Facilitators at the Dandelion Project draw on the research-backed CASEL framework for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to support kids’ growth.

CASEL defines the core components of SEL as:

Self-awareness: The skill of having knowledge of one's own emotions and developing a positive self-concept.
Self-management: The ability to regulate one's own emotions and monitor one's own behaviors.
Social awareness: The ability to have awareness of the emotions and social situations of others.
Relationship skills: The skill to foster relationships and communicate within them.
Responsible decision-making: The ability to solve problems and hold oneself accountable.

2. Autonomy & Self-Knowledge

Young people at The Dandelion Project choose how they spend their time from a menu of exciting learning experiences each day. They also have ample opportunity for free play and self-directed projects on topics that matter to them. We support youth in discovering new passions through creative arts, field trips, collaborative projects, and visits from inspiring community members.

3. Community Building & Conflict Resolution

Kids co-create agreements for their community and practice caring for themselves and others. When conflicts arise, facilitators guide them through restorative justice practices, helping them take accountability and resolve issues constructively.

4. Artistic Expression & Action

Through art, music, theater, dance, and cooking, we offer daily opportunities for creativity. Young people are invited to explore the power of the arts to express identity, regulate emotions, celebrate culture, and inspire social action.

5. Respect for the Natural World

Outdoor play and exploration are central to our programs. Young people build a connection to nature and learn their responsibility to protect it. For older students, this foundation provides the context for understanding climate change and engaging in environmental advocacy.

6. Advocacy & Social Consciousness

We create consistent opportunities for children to explore their identities, understand diverse cultures, and learn about social justice movements. Older students deepen this understanding through field trips around Philadelphia, exploring the social and political history of our city.

Our Vision

We envision a future where self-directed, community-centered learning is accessible to every family who seeks it. To realize this vision, we are committed to:

Expanding our space to welcome more learners.
Growing our team of passionate and skilled educators.
Developing a robust teen program tailored to older youth.
Strengthening collaborations with other unschooling and alternative learning spaces across the city.