Summer Program

WEEK-LONG RESIDENTIAL CLASSES FROM MAY – OCTOBER

The Summer Program, which runs from May through October, is The Clearing’s oldest and the one that most closely resembles Jensen’s original folk school vision. The mainstay of the Summer Program is week-long classes, with 25 to 35 students and instructors living at The Clearing, eating family-style meals and renewing their spirit through close contact with the native landscape. The Clearing experience is made up of many special components. The classes, sense of community, forests, meadows, water, sunsets, home-cooked meals, traditions and history all blend to create a wonderful place to learn, relax, reflect and make new friends.

2026 Summer Program
Registration Dates Announced

-- GENERAL REGISTRATION --
General Registration Start Date #1: February 26, 2026
Registration for classes held between May 3 and August 1 begins February 26, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time.

General Registration Start Date #2: February 27, 2026
Registration for classes held between August 2 and November 6 begins February 27, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time.

On General Registration Start Dates #1 and #2 (see above), an individual may register for him/herself and one other person.

-- LIFE MEMBER REGISTRATION --
Life Member Registration Start Date: February 24, 2026
Friends of The Clearing Life Members may register for all Summer Program classes beginning on February 24, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time.

On the Life Member Registration Start Date (see above), a Friend of The Clearing Life Member may register for him/herself and one other person who is also a life member.