North House Folk School

Community Standards

Building community is central to the mission of North House Folk School. Staff, instructors, students, volunteers and visitors are all part of creating a welcoming, positive environment that inspires life-long learning in a non-competitive setting. Every individual contributes to the richness of the campus community whether they are here for years, days or just passing through. We ask that all who come here do so with openness towards people of differing backgrounds, identities, and ways of being in the world and conduct themselves with integrity, respect and kindness towards all.

By choosing to participate in the North House community, you are choosing to uphold this spirit and vision for community. Any person who disrupts the community learning environment may be asked to leave campus and refused future participation.

Non-Discrimination Policy

North House Folk School prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship, national origin, native language, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance or any characteristic protected by law.

Read more about North House's committment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Learn more about Campus Accessibility here.

Campus Guidelines for Students

North House Folk School strives to make campus an inspiring, safe, rewarding, and respectful place to learn. These guidelines address key details about campus to allow everyone at North House the opportunity to creatively engage.

Classroom Hours

Please arrive at your classroom no earlier than 10-15 minutes before your class, so that your instructor can focus on course preparations. After class hours, in the interest of safety, classrooms are only open to students when an instructor is present.

Safe Use of Tools

Student health and safety are a priority at North House. Accordingly, you should only use hand tools and operate power tools after receiving an introduction to their safe operation. If you are unsure of how a tool operates or adjusts, ask your instructor for assistance. We are all here to learn! Be sure to wear appropriate safety gear (eye and ear protection) while using tools.

Classroom Visitors

North House allows the public to visit classrooms in a respectful and unobtrusive manner.

Student Projects

At the close of your course, any materials or projects you create are your responsibility and need to leave with you. North House cannot store or ship these items for you.

Student Tools

Student tools are welcome on campus, but North House cannot guarantee their safety and is not responsible for loss or damage.

Dogs on Campus

Dogs are not allowed in classrooms or the School Store. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout campus, but cannot be tied up outside while you’re in class. 

Cell Phones

Out of respect for the North House learning community, students and visitors are encouraged to turn off or silence their cell phones prior to participation in any program or course. If you do need to take a call, please step out of the classroom.

Coffee and Tea

North House will provide fresh-brewed coffee and a selection of caffeinated and non-caffeinated teas for students in each of our classroom buildings. We also offer dairy and non-dairy creamer options.

Lunch

Most courses take a one-hour break around noon during which students are welcome to leave campus to eat elsewhere or utilize the student commons. A fridge, microwave, and stove are available for student use.

Community Gatherings

Each weekend, we will host a Fika, a Scandinavian approach to a coffee break. We ask classes to take a break from their learning and gather on campus to share a warm beverage and a sweet treat provided by North House. North House staff will let you know when and where on campus this will happen. In the summer months, we also  typically host a wood-fired pizza potluck after classes on Friday. If a pizza bake is being held, you’re invited to bring your topping contribution starting at 5:30 to chop or prep. Pizza-making commences at 6:00. At the beginning of your class, the campus host will let you know more details about the pizza bake and any other gatherings or events being held that weekend.

Drugs and Alcohol

Gathering as a community at the close of the day often involves sharing food and/or alcohol. With this in mind, drinking alcohol on campus is allowed in moderation and in a publicly respectful manner. Alcohol may not be consumed during the operation of tools or power equipment.

Smoking and vaping are not allowed in any North House buildings. Outdoors on campus, smoking and vaping may only take place by the fire ring at the south end of the Red Building.

In accordance with city ordinance, cannabis and hemp products, including edibles and beverages, may not be consumed in public spaces in areas zoned as downtown waterfront property in Grand Marais, which is the area of campus used by students and visitors, including all classroom spaces and all outdoor spaces on the south side of highway 61.

Parking

Several parking spaces are available in the parking lot on the south side of Hwy 61 and in the parking lot in front of the Green Building on the North side of Hwy 61. There is also ample street parking within a few blocks of campus including on both sides of Hwy 61. We invite you to enjoy the “pedestrian village” that is Grand Marais by walking between your destinations while you’re here! Designated accessible parking is available in the lower commons area and the Green Building parking lot. Please see our Campus Accessibilty page for more information.