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Be part of the shift. Reimagine education with us.

Reimagine Education Expo
18th of April, 2026 
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Lakeside Park Garden Center, Oakland, CA

Join us for a powerful gathering of innovative programs, self-directed learning centers, nature programs, microschools, educators, homeschool families, and thriving young creators who are redefining what learning can look like.

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Why Reimagine Education?

For more than a century, the school system has been built around standardization — preparing students for an industrial world that required conformity, repetition, and centralized knowledge.

But the world has changed.

Information is now instant, technology is evolving rapidly, and the future demands very different capacities from young people.

When information is instant, the most valuable skills become deeply human —

creativity, adaptability, initiative, and critical thinking.

Across the country and here in our own community, educators and families are already building learning environments designed for this new reality — places where curiosity, independence, collaboration, and real-world engagement are at the center of learning.

By stepping outside the standardized model, families can find environments that prioritize cultivating skills that are truly relevant in an ever-changing world.

The Reimagine Education Expo brings these pioneers together in one place — making visible the growing ecosystem of innovative learning centers, pods and programs that are shaping the future of education.

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The Reimagine Education Expo

bridges the gap between innovative educational options and your family’s needs.

We bring together founders, facilitators, and educators of nature programs, microschools, self-directed centers, progressive and alternative schools, homeschool groups in one shared space.

 

We make it possible for you to explore modern educational approaches and  find the perfect alignment for your unique child.

Come Join Us

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    Families

    If you’re searching for an educational path where your child can truly thrive, this is your opportunity to explore what’s possible.

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    Educators & Program Leaders

    This is a space for connection and collaboration. Meet other founders and educators, share ideas, and help strengthen the growing movement

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    Young People

    This space is for you to sell, to connect, to perform, and simply be.

    We see you and welcome you! 

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Exhibitor Hall
(10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)


Meet founders and educators from:
 

• Forest & Nature Schools

• Learning Pods & Co-ops

• Homeschool Communities

• Self-Directed Learning Centers

• Microschools

• Progressive Schools


Ask questions. Discover solutions.
Find alignment.

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Talks
(10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

Hear from experinced educators, founders and homeschool families:

• Alternative pathways to learning in CA

• From School Frustration to Educational Alignment

• How do we successfully create inclusive spaces?

• Self-Directed Learning: What It Really Means

• Alternative Education Through High School and beyond

Find answers to your most pressing questions

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Youth Vendors & Youth Performance Stage
(10:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

See firsthand what thriving young people look like when they are supported in pursuing their interests.
 

• Sell handmade goods

• Showcase entrepreneurial projects

• Perform music

•  Arts and Crafts area

By youth for youth. Bring your kids!

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Round Tables
(12:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

Curated discussions for families and educators on:

• Self-directed Learning.
Trusting Curiosity: Learning Without Forced Curriculum

• Conversation around how neurodivergent learners experience school and what environments help them thrive.

• Exploring Education Beyond the Traditional Path

•  Building the Future of Education Together. 
How can we collaborate instead of working in silos?

This is not just an expo — it’s a convening space.

Plan Your Visit to
the Reimagine Education Expo

The Venue

Lakeside Park Garden Center

666 Bellevue Ave

Oakland, CA 94610
 

Time & Date

Saturday, April 18th, 2026

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM


 

Tickets & Parking

Tickets: donation-based

Parking: $5 adjacent to venue or street parking
 

Accessibility

Step-free access to the main indoor spaces and restrooms.

 

If you require accessibility accommodations to attend this event, please contact us and we will do our best to support your needs.

Exhibitors

Please complete the Exhibitor Form if you’d like to participate in the Expo. Participation is donation-based, and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Whether your program is big or small, well-established or just beginning — we warmly welcome you.

Youth Vendors

Please complete the Youth Vendor Form if you'd like to particpate in the Youth Space. 

Reimagine Education Expo is a child-friendly event. We will provide art activities, board games, and other activities.

“Schooling that children are forced to endure… turns learning from a joyful activity into a chore.”

Peter Gray

Researcher & Author "Free to Learn"

The goal isn’t to control children into learning. The goal is to create environments where learning naturally thrives.

Akilah Richards

Public Speaker & Author "Raising Free People"

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Our Supporters:

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