Our History
MOS was founded in 1972 by a group of Hopkins, Minneapolis, and Brooklyn Center parents which included our current principal Ruth Carp. They had been seeking meaningful alternatives to traditional public school and wanted a different kind of learning environment for their children. With twenty families, MOS opened its doors at the Minneapolis Friends Meetinghouse. From the beginning, parents, teachers, and friends worked together to keep the school running. They volunteered their time, shared expertise, provided transportation, and even managed finances. Teachers’ salaries and rent were kept low, and decisions were made cooperatively. Over the years MOS has had several homes, eventually settling into its current location on Library Lane in 2003.
The philosophy of MOS has always been simple yet profound: childhood is not preparation for adulthood, but an important stage of life in itself. Each child is valued as a whole person. Learning begins with their needs, interests, and abilities, and the curriculum grows from there. The school emphasizes guided choice, problem solving, creative thinking, and learning by doing. The Twin Cities community is used as an extension of the classroom, encouraging students to see learning opportunities everywhere. Equally important is the culture of care and respect, where students and adults alike support one another and build strong social connections.
More than fifty years later, MOS remains an enduring model of open education. Its longevity reflects both the vision of its founders and the ongoing dedication of families and educators who believe in this child-centered, community-driven approach.
