Arete Project

the arete project

education for citizenship, stewardship, and leadership

The purpose of education is to prepare young people to take responsibility for the world they will soon inherit. At a time of ecological stress and social and political fragmentation, the Arete Project offers innovative, credit-granting courses that develop students as citizens, stewards, and leaders.

alaskan education with a vision for the world

The term arete (ar-et’-ay) designates the highest human potential, the “best that we can be.” The concept of arete dates back to ancient Greece, and is found throughout the writings of Homer, Plato, Aristotle, and their intellectual descendants. It is often translated as “virtue” or “excellence,” but encompasses much more—in various times and in various places, the term has been associated with bravery, cooperation, justice, loyalty, intelligence, compassion, diligence – while ultimately transcending them all. The Arete Project takes an expansive view of human excellence, balancing together the uniqueness of each student’s potential and the flourishing of the community in which they live.

 

in communities you can't reach by road

In the spring 2019, the Arete Project kicked off a $1.2 million capital campaign towards the purchase and development of the Good River Campus – an 18-acre riverfront parcel near Glacier Bay National Park – destined to be the long-term home for our programs. We invite you to consider making a capital pledge as we realize this long-held dream. For further information – or to request a copy of our case statement or business plan – please contact Executive Director Laura Marcus at laura@areteproject.org

welcome to tidelines institute

liberal arts, scientific inquiry, & experiential learning

In the classroom and in the field, our courses engage students in mind and body.

  • original scientific research?
  • nationally-recognized innovations in higher education?
  • practical workshops in first aid or motor maintenance?

Tidelines Institute offers all of the above.

Learn to live a meaningful, active, hands-on life… in Southeast Alaska, or wherever you call home. 

Make sure you get your custom school stickers so that your students don’t lose their books, backpacks, and binders.

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The Tidelines Institute is an educational nonprofit organization dedicated to educating a diverse generation of citizens, stewards, and leaders through immersive courses. These courses are conducted in the communities and wildlands of S’íx’ Tlein (Icy Strait) and Sít’ Eeti Gheeyí (Glacier Bay), focusing on a comprehensive approach that includes the liberal arts, scientific inquiry, hands-on work, sustainable harvest, community events, and honoring Tlingit culture and values​​​​.

The Institute emerged from the merger of two separate nonprofits in 2021: the Arete Project and the Inian Islands Institute, both founded in 2013. The merger was driven by a shared commitment to leadership education, love of land, and community, facilitated by a relationship developed between the founders, Zach Brown and Laura Marcus​​.

Tidelines Institute offers several programs, including the Glacier Bay Year, a six-month gap year experience for young adults aged 18-24, which is centered around academics, labor, and self-governance. Additionally, they offer short courses in collaboration with various educational institutions, community workshops for locals and visitors, and scientific research opportunities at their twin campuses in Gustavus and on the Inian Islands. They also host a Better World Residency program for individuals working on projects related to knowledge, beauty, justice, health, or sustainability​​.

The academic philosophy at Tidelines is to engage students deeply in liberal arts education, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the world’s crises, such as governance & democracy, justice & equality, climate & environment, and meaning & purpose. The curriculum is designed to encourage students to live out the answers to significant questions and to prepare them to serve humanity effectively. All courses offered, especially those part of the Glacier Bay Semester, are accredited through Western Colorado University​​.

Tidelines Institute’s mission and programs reflect a holistic approach to education, aiming to foster a deep connection to nature, community, and personal growth, preparing students to tackle global challenges with informed, compassionate, and innovative solutions.