The Greenbriar Story....
Greenbriar is an intentional community and a model for sustainable living through consensus decision-making. Our land stewardship program creates and maintains a vibrant space for a variety of educational programs, workshops, and events. Participation in community life is an integral part of our learning process, fostering connection and growth. Established in 1969, Marsalom Inc. / Greenbriar School continues to thrive as a beacon of sustainable and communal living.
History
Begun as a private, non-profit school, Greenbriar was a part of the “free school” movement that began in the 1960’s. Fueled in part by the belief that we are all life long learners, that we learn best in a safe, supportive atmosphere, and that learning takes place everywhere, not just in a classroom.
For better part of a decade, Greenbriar School bussed students from Austin, Texas to it's 170 acre wooded property thirty miles east of town. As Austin grew, other "Alternative Education" options became available. Eventually, several factors combined to cause school enrollment to drop. Subsequently, when the school bus broke down in the late seventies, there wasn't enough money to repair it. Effectively that meant you needed to live at or near the school to continue to be a student. The school evolved, with more families moving out to live on the property. Families would live there until the kids were done with their schooling at Greenbriar and then move on, making way for other families. Most of the original buildings were built with entirely recycled, salvaged, or donated materials, a practice that still continues though with less consistency.
The Community grew to have more than 50 residents, most activities were community focused, and since there was one primary kitchen, everyone ate together as a group. The School became a Community of parents, children, and volunteers using a model of consensus decision making.
In 2001 the "Main" building structure burned to the ground. Many important documents were lost, aside from losing our primary community facility. As often happens when disaster strikes, it was a difficult time but one which pulled us closer together in the recovery and reorganizing process.
Many of the original buildings were in need of repair, or had been completely consumed by the forest. A new focus was born and has propelled massive clean-up efforts, re-building buildings and roads. We are working hard to continue to improve ourselves and our Educational programs.
The pandemic has fueled new interest in our approach to education, we have always had a focus on outdoor and experiential activities. The pandemic panic made our methodology appealing to a wider audience. Coupled with changing demographics and other factors, our student enrollment has seen a significant increase in the past couple years.
We have developed a dynamic and flexible student centered curriculum. We provide a space and facility that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our students, based on their current interests.
Educational Programs
Homeschool Enrichment Program:
Our “Homeschool Enrichment Program” is a space for parents to homeschool together in a community environment. We have created a facility, and a regular scheduled program.
If you would like to participate or have any questions, visit the Homeschool Enrichment Program page.
Educational Workshops:
Our workshops include topics such as..
- Communal living
- Wild Edible plants
- Organic gardening
- Permaculture
- Natural building
- Land management
- Native and invasive species of Bastrop Texas
- Natural habitat
For more information, and workshop registration, visit the Upcoming Events & Workshops page.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like to volunteer at one of our workshops or events, please visit the Volunteer page.
Facilities Usage
If you are interested in hosting an event or Educational workshop, please visit the Facilities Usage page.
Here at Greenbriar, we strive to live more consciously in our interactions with one another, and our environment.
Greenbriar School is operated for educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
