
Thrive Learning Center Foundation



Thrive Learning Center Foundation exists to provide support and fundraising for the students, teachers, faculty and staff of Thrive Learning Center, a nontraditional, nonpublic Michigan school. Thrive Learning Center is a nontraditional, student centered learning community serving West Michigan families with a balance of play, exploration, student choice, and structured learning.
Get to Know Us
Being part of a collaborative network means shared strength, collective wisdom, and greater impact. At Thrive, we believe that meaningful change happens when organizations come together to support one another, learn from each other, and amplify each other’s missions. Collaboration allows us to grow beyond our immediate scope and better serve the children and families who need innovative, inclusive educational options. One of our core teaching and learning mindsets is communitarian—we believe learning happens best in relationship. As staff, we intentionally model collaboration for our learners, showing them the power of working together toward a shared purpose.
We would like to become a "one stop shop" for parents seeking wholistic support for their children- including services such as speech, occupational therapy, counseling, and social groups. We'd like to extend our reach from K-8 to include high school learners, with an emphasis on including learners of all abilities and a place to practice job skills- like woodworking or a coffee shop.There is the need for more educational options for K-8 students in West Michigan, we'd like to support that in happening, by opening more locations or supporting others who would like to do so.
We aim to raise $100,000 on Grand Rapids Giving Day 2025 to support Thrive Learning Center’s top ten list of financial needs—a strategic set of priorities essential to the health and growth of our community.100% of funds donated will go toward supporting:Building and operational costsPlayground developmentSensory and physical space upgradesThrive Foundation operational fundsTeacher professional learning and trainingStaff health and wellbeing (including insurance)Outdoor education programming and suppliesThrive serves many neurodiverse learners, and our approach is intentionally designed to support a wide range of learning needs through social-emotional development, experiential learning, and a flexible, relationship-based model.This funding will also strengthen core infrastructure, allow for important sensory-friendly upgrades, and invest in educator growth and wellbeing.The impact of these gifts both immediate and long-term: more children will access a learning environment where they are truly seen and supported, and educators will be equipped and sustained in their work. These investments build a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable Thrive community.
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." Mahatma Ghandi