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WHOLE LEARNERS INC

CANTON, NY · EIN 471048623 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE B80 · Education · Micro (<$100K) · deeprootcenter.org
revenue
$55K
expenses
$35K
net assets
$33K
employees
3
volunteers
20
program ratio
98%
mission · from form 990

AT DEEP ROOT CENTER (DRC), WE BELIEVE THAT ALL YOUNG PEOPLE DESERVE A SAFE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT WHERE THEY FEEL LIKE THEY ARE PART OF A COMMUNITY - AND WHERE THEY ARE FREE TO EXPLORE ALL THE POSSIBILITIES.

profile · synthesized from sources

Whole Learners Inc operates as Deep Root Center (DRC), an alternative learning environment for young people in Canton, NY, emphasizing emotional safety, community, and self-directed education. The organization supports homeschooling families and provides a nurturing space for students who struggle in traditional school settings due to anxiety, learning differences, or neurodiversity. Programs include consultation services, peer group activities, and access to online educational resources.

named programs · 3 · from sources

What they call their work

Consultation Services
One-on-one support for families navigating homeschooling and alternative education pathways, tailored to individual student needs and learning styles
Deep Root Center Digital Homeschooling Guide
Free downloadable resource providing curated online learning tools, apps, and educational strategies for families engaged in homeschooling
Peer Group Activities
Regular in-person gatherings offering social connection, art projects, cooking, nature exploration, and collaborative learning for homeschooled students
activities · 7 groups

What they do

  • Homeschool Support Services 3 activities
    • Produce and distribute homeschooling resources
      Creates and offers downloadable digital booklets, guides, presentations, and other resources about self-directed homeschooling for families seeking alternative education options.
    • Provide consulting and community-building for self-directed learners
      Offers one-on-one consultation to families on curriculum access and educational resources, fosters a safe educational community, and supports social relationship-building among students, especially during times of isolation or personal challenges.
    • Support families in New York State homeschooling compliance
      Offers consultation and guidance to families navigating New York State homeschooling requirements, including support with Individual Home Instruction Plans (IHIP), Letters of Intent, Quarterly Reports, and transcript development through direct consultation with the Executive Director.
  • Community-Based Educational Programming 1 activity
    • Deliver alternative educational programming on standardized testing days
      Provides educational programming for children who opt out of state-mandated standardized testing, ensuring continued engagement in meaningful learning activities during testing periods.
  • High School Dual Enrollment Programs 1 activity
    • Facilitate college course access for high school students
      Enables students to audit college classes at SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam, with credit included on high school transcripts, supporting early college engagement and academic advancement.
  • Student-Led Community Service Programs 1 activity
    • Host university student volunteers for youth mentorship
      Partners with St. Lawrence University’s CBL program to host volunteers who mentor youth, serve as reading buddies, and support hands-on projects during the academic year.
  • Project-Based Learning Programs 1 activity
    • Operate self-directed learning center for youth ages 5–19
      Provides a non-coercive, multi-age learning environment in Canton, NY for young people ages 5–19, offering access to facilities, tools, equipment, mentoring, and personalized learning plans driven by individual curiosity and interests. Includes daily outdoor exploration and experiential learning through the Seedlings Program for children ages 5–11.
  • Financial Aid and Scholarship Access Programs 1 activity
    • Provide financial aid and sliding-scale access to educational programs
      Offers scholarship aid to 100% of student members, totaling over $105,000 annually, and implements a "pay what you can" policy to ensure access regardless of family financial situation. Subsidized over $70,000 in fees during the current year and nearly $150,000 the previous year.
  • Uncategorized 2 activities
    • Fiscal sponsorship for educational networks and programs
      Acts as fiscal sponsor for the Liberated Learners Network and Deep Root Center, enabling these organizations to receive tax-deductible donations and operate under WHOLE LEARNERS INC's 501(c)(3) status.
    • Offer trial enrollment period for prospective students
      Provides a one-month trial period for applicants to assess fit, culminating in a joint decision by the student, family, and staff on continued participation in the program.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$55K
Contributions & grants$25K46%
Program service revenue$28K50%
Investment income$420%
Other revenue$2K
expenses
Total expenses$35K
Program expenses98%
Admin / overhead2%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$16K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$86K
Cash$15K
Investments$0
Liabilities$52K
Net assets$33K
Liquid reserves5.3 mo
3 years on record · 2021–2024 · YoY revenue -1.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

board members · 6
  • JACLYN MARX — BOARD MEMBER
  • KRIS ROZELLE — VICE PRESIDE
  • LEXI MAROLF — SECRETARY
  • MARIA CORSE — EXECUTIVE DI
  • SUSAN FOSTER — TREASURER
  • TIFFANIE JACOB — PRESIDENT
relationships · 13

Who they work with

  • Deep Root Center Partner — Fiscally sponsored by Whole Learners, Inc.
  • Deep Root Center Partner — Shares a website and contact information with Whole Learners Inc.
  • FairTest Partner — Shares resources and referral links to FairTest for information on opting out of standardized testing.
  • Liberated Learners Network — Member of the Liberated Learners network, which supports self-directed education centers.
  • Liberated Learners Network Partner — Fiscally sponsored by Whole Learners, Inc.
  • Maria and Chris Partner — Founders and key staff members of the Deep Root Center who are repeatedly acknowledged for their role in creating and sustaining the program.
  • Massena Arts Association Partner — Kris Rozelle serves as Co Vice President, indicating organizational affiliation and collaboration.
  • New York State Opt Out Resources and Templates Partner — Shares resources and referral links to New York State Opt Out Resources and Templates for parent guidance.
  • North Country Library System Partner — Collaborates to provide access to online learning platforms such as Kanopy, Libby, and Mango Languages.
  • North Star Network — Adapted the 7 guiding principles from North Star in Hadley, MA with permission.
  • SUNY Canton Partner — Partner institution where DRC students may audit college classes.
  • SUNY Potsdam Partner — Partner institution where DRC students may audit college classes.
  • St. Lawrence University Partner — Hosts university's CBL volunteers who mentor youth, serve as reading buddies, and assist with hands-on projects.
strategies · 2

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Equitable Access Through Flexible Financial Models
    methodology: sliding_scale_access
    By using a pay-what-you-can or sliding-scale financial model, the organization ensures access for families of all income levels because economic inclusivity strengthens community diversity and removes barriers to participation in self-directed education.
  • Self-Directed Learning Model
    methodology: self_directed_learning
    By trusting students to lead their own learning based on personal interests and curiosity, supported by mentorship and community, the organization believes education becomes natural, self-sustaining, and intrinsically motivated because autonomy fosters engagement and lifelong growth.