SANDPOINT — For five years, the Hedge School, an independent elementary school, has provided children with a unique education rooted in connection, nature, and belonging. 

But with a sharp decrease in enrollment, the school is experiencing a financial shortfall that threatens the stability and future growth of the program.

To preserve its mission of serving children and families in the community, Kelly McLean, one of the founders of the Hedge School, has launched a GoFundMe asking for the community's support. Residents can read more about the school and donate at bit.ly/4fd7M5i.

Set on 30 acres at the edge of Sandpoint, the school gives teachers room to bring lessons outdoors and weave academic subjects into creative, hands-on experiences. 

“We all sing with our children, we all draw with our children, we all paint with our children,” McLean said. 

McLean said 6 families chose to discontinue their children's enrollment during the beginning of summer after deciding the program did not fit their academic preferences. 

"That amount of enrollment loss is huge for a school our size," said McLean, "It's just been too huge for us to absorb." 

School leaders and teachers considered a range of solutions to keep the school open, including personal salary reductions. 

"It's the work we love, and we're all willing to do more to keep the school going," said McLean. 

However, when they realized the financial gap was too large to close on their own, they made the decision to ask the community for help. 

The school started during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet the new and evolving needs of children and their families. 

During a time of widespread uncertainty, Hedge School educators saw clearly that one of children’s greatest needs was the opportunity to be in nature. 

It isn't uncommon to see children hugging trees, learning archery, or crocheting at the Hedge School. Being outdoors in an integral aspect of the program. 

McLean said asking for donations wasn't easy, especially since they benefit a small group of children and families. However, she chose to reach out for support because she believes the school's mission will create a ripple effect that will strengthen the broader community. 

"What I really know to be true is that we're making new leaps in education with what we're doing," she said, adding that the school prioritizes creating an environment where children's nervous systems can be at ease. 

McLean said that although the community in Sandpoint has a diverse set of belief systems, people still prioritize helping one another. 

"For a place like [this], we do need a variety of schools," said McLean. "We need a variety of places for all these children to learn that are different, yet that really supports each other."