.png)
Welcome
Based in South Central Los Angeles,
Savage Learning Environment is a welcoming and nurturing space where our learners share their thinking with pride, and engage in each other's ideas with kindness. Here, each learner shines in unique ways, we pay attention to our emotions, we tend to relationships and ruptures together, and we laugh plenty as we grow in our emotional awareness, critical literacy and mathematical abilities.
​We offer online and in-person learning clubs, individualized learning partnerships, as well as coaching sessions for parents and caregivers of homelearning families. We also travel to facilitate our offerings in other parts of the country and world.
Our Mission
Savage Learning Environment reimagines education as a practice of liberation, care, and community. We facilitate self-directed, community-oriented learning experiences that center the lived realities and ourstories of families whose full humanity has been systematically denied recognition, dignity, and care by conventional institutions. By prioritizing emotional intelligence, connection to land, and trust in children’s innate wisdom, we support young people in growing academically while developing critical consciousness and a grounded sense of self.
.jpg)
Based in South Los Angeles and working across in-person, online, and global spaces, we attentively partner with families as they navigate home-based learning journeys rooted in collective flourishing.
Word on the Street
"SLE is doing a great job supporting our family as well as the community. We love what SLE represents - a safe, loving place for our children to flourish. My children have a place where they can come and be themselves with like-minded people."
"SLE - Arnold and Zeba - have modeled a supreme service and answer to the community of BIPOC homeschoolers. Having beautiful representation and expansive, inclusive, and vibrant curriculum and experiences is gold! We love the clear and prompt communication, open hearts, loving and giving community. There is no 'better support' than the attention to care and detail when they have our children in their care. This was one of the best decisions I made for my girls!"
"Divine timing! During a time when I was searching for likeminded community I was led to SLE. This program and the people gave me and my kiddos the confidence to learn and teach each other with grace. I thought that I had to have homeschooling looking a certain way and now I've learned to embrace how we naturally learn and operate, regardless of how it looks. My family has received so much support on all fronts from this community. SLE has given us something that is truly invaluable. Thank you so much for putting your heart into what you do."
"I am so grateful for SLE on the level that I've cried tears of happiness multiple times. The facilitators pour so much heart into everything they do. It's more than a place to learn... it's a place to belong, to grow, and to be deeply cared for. Its a strong community too. SLE has changed the trajectory of my daughter's life!"
"We appreciate their transparent communication regarding the interactions that occur during learning time, and how things
are handled. We love the intimacy and community building, and the trust that is maintained. The schedule and frequency of club meetings works well for us. SLE is just top notch!!"
“SLE has been a real blessing for my boys. They’ve told me more than once they love how calm and inviting it feels - like they can breathe, be themselves, and actually get into learning without feeling watched or rushed. That’s not given in a lot of spaces.
I’ll always remember something Kira said to me: ‘They’re expanding in beautiful ways that make sense to them.’ That’s SLE in a nutshell. Zeba and Kira create the kind of learning environment that respects kids as whole people.”
“My 11-year old twins and 4-year old niece have been taking advantage of the small class size and individual attention provided here. It meant everything for me to see every child, along with Mrs. Savage, fully immersed in the reading and the conversations. My children enjoyed the intimate setting and the peace to concentrate and ask questions. I highly recommend the SLE."
"My family utilizes the individualized learning partnership for my high school-age daughter. It has been an absolutely wonderful experience for her. The Savage Learning Environment helped my daughter reduce her anxiety regarding difficult subjects by building her confidence and giving her the ability to think and learn in different ways. My daughter is ending the year more motivated about learning. "
“This is where authentic learning happens... Students are encouraged, engaged, and captivated by the freedom to learn."
“Savage Learning Environment has been a true catalyst in my child’s education. We love the small size groups, cultural focus and tender love, care & support.
When a child is given the space and support to be themselves with the teaching style molded to them, and not being expected to change to fit the style of the teacher, THAT is true education. I’ve watched SLE foster all the most beautiful parts of my child, encouraging them to blossom into their true self unapologetically. I am forever grateful for all of the energy that SLE pours into our youth & community. We need more spaces like this."
“We love Savage Learning! My son asks for Vibrant Math Club and has pledged to learn 5 years' worth of math because of it! Before SLE, there were learning and teaching walls we couldn't break through. Because of SLE, I've been able to understand my own learning better! We look forward to another year of clubs!"
"I really like math club because you get to do math your own way... I also like learning new knots and getting to play chess, especially when I play with the girls."
"I am so grateful for the existence of SLE. My children have access to educators that have a deep awareness and understanding of culturally responsive, self-directed education, which is not always easy to find in many educational settings. My children feel seen, valued, and are given the freedom to explore concepts at their own pace while still being challenged to think critically. "
"We love SLE! We have been with this community for 3 years. While this last year has been virtual for our family, she is still engaged and curious! She feels so connected to the facilitators in both her Fractional math and her individualized partnership with literacy and art. Praying for more many more years with SLE."
Great Gratitude to Our Supporters
We extend deep gratitude to our anonymous individual donors for their generous financial and in-kind support. And thank you to our South Los Angeles community members who have opened their spaces and shared their wisdom, time, and gifts with our learners. We also offer sincere thanks to our funders, Community Foundation for Monterey County, William + Flora Hewlett Foundation, and VELA Education Fund. And a heartfelt thank you to our sponsor, White Hall Arts Academy, whose belief in our work helps make this learning ecosystem possible.
