A community of learners worked together to offer several experiential programs for kids and youth.

The mission of Learning with Meaning was to provide inclusive and financially accessible experiential alternative education opportunities for youth and families through Aspire Middle and High School, summer camps and adult community programs. It all was designed to support life-long learning and to deepen connections with nature and each other.

Founded in 2007, Learning with Meaning began as a homeschool parent cooperative, offering a number of classes for homeschool families and a landing place for alternative education in Missoula. Over the years, it grew into a nonprofit that supported a home school program, summer camps and much more. In 2015, Aspire Middle and High School was created by the first homeschoolers in the cooperative, who wanted something different from what traditional schooling offered. They needed a smaller school where they had a primary voice in their own education and the freedom to pursue personal interests.

Sadly, the Learning with Meaning staff announced that it is closing their school. The good news for you lovers of sales is that you can gather this Saturday morning, January 25, and take advantage of "garage sale" prices on educational equipment and other items.

The Learning with Meaning garage sale will take place at the school, 301 East Main Street, Missoula, starting at 9:00 a.m. You will find board games, art supplies, office supplies, computers, film production equipment, smart boards, educational supplies and more! There will also be free books to include curriculum while they last.

Best of luck to the LWM staff in their future endeavors.

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