The Living School is a 2-year program that begins with online orientation in spring and a Symposium in August of the first year. The program ends with a third and final Symposium following the second year of study. Please note the on-site sessions and at-home portions of the program described below.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot guarantee we will be able to hold on-site sessions. If we are not able to meet onsite, we will hold the sessions online and make adjusts accordingly.
On-site sessions for the Living School will occur 4 times (3 symposia and 1 intensive) in or near Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the two-year program. Both the intensive and the 3 symposia are mandatory. These sessions will include learning in person with our core faculty, invited teachers, and CAC staff, as available. In the event one or more of our faculty are unable to teach, the Living School may include other qualified teachers.
The atmosphere of the on-site sessions will be contemplative in nature, observed through a rhythm of teaching, practice, reflection, silence, and joyous celebration. Students are asked to make necessary preparations to let go of distractions and bring their full presence into the sessions together.
Living School program fees will cover 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 scheduled dinner at the symposia and all meals at the first-year intensive. Tuition does not include costs associated with transportation, lodging, and other meals.
Annual symposia are held in late July of each year at a venue in New Mexico.
After enrollment, students will receive dates of the intensive session options available from January to June of their first full year in the program. Students will rank their preferences for the sessions that fit their schedule. Students are required to participate in one session.
At-home study will call upon students’ self-responsibility to participate in the disciplines of video teachings, contemplative practices, reading, service, reflective learning, and developing a Rhythm of Life they can commit to. Students can expect to spend an average of 35 hours a month completing the required Living School disciplines.
The Living School’s online learning platform will serve as the virtual, interactive learning environment for students. It will be the means for engaging in the educational disciplines and with fellow students as a part of each Course Unit. Students will not need to download any software to their computers, but they will need to ensure that their computers are able to support our platform’s features.
There is the possibility of two optional on-site small group intensives in the second year of the Living School. These are offered as optional to reduce required travel and costs while giving students the opportunity for smaller group contact with faculty.
Students are responsible for all costs related to the Second-year Intensives.