Somewhere along the way, many of us were told that meanness is just part of growing up. That bullying is normal. That teasing builds character. That school is supposed to be hard, socially speaking.

But at Healing Roots, we’ve learned something very different: when children feel safe, they grow. When they’re seen and heard, they thrive. When kindness is the norm—not the exception—everything changes.

And for many of our students, it’s the first time school has ever felt that way.

“It doesn’t have to be like this.”

That’s what we hear from families again and again.

Maybe your child used to dread logging in or walking into school. Maybe they felt small in classrooms where fitting in meant shrinking down. Maybe they were told to “toughen up” when they were hurting—or learned to stay quiet when others weren’t kind.

We see it. And we hold space for it. Because learning shouldn’t come at the cost of belonging.

A Different Kind of School

At Healing Roots, we build relationships first. Every learner is part of a community that values respect, inclusion, and emotional safety. We take time to listen. To ask questions. To notice when something feels off—and to respond with care.

Our students are not just classmates; they’re collaborators, peer mentors, and friends. We’ve seen how powerful it is when children are allowed to be themselves—and when being kind is simply part of the culture.

What Happens in a Safe Space?

In a space without fear of teasing or ridicule, students open up.

They share their stories. They write poems. They lead conversations. One of our students even wrote a novel—not for a grade, but because the space invited creativity, and the community encouraged it.

This is what happens when we stop normalizing unkindness and start prioritizing compassion: children feel safe enough to try, to grow, and to believe in themselves again.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for a new school year, we welcome families who are looking for something different—something rooted in connection, not competition.

If your child is looking for a learning space where they can be themselves, where kindness is the foundation, and where their full humanity is honored, we would love to meet them.

Because we know this to be true: being mean is not normal—and your child deserves better.

Enrollment is open for the upcoming school year.

Learn more about our approach at healingrootsedu.org, or reach out to start a conversation. We’d love to walk this journey with you.