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Consciousness at the Center
Living Wisdom School is rooted in a radical, yet timeless idea: our awareness, our energy, our inner state—is the most essential factor in education. True learning begins not with mere information, but with the cultivation of self-understanding.
This approach draws upon universal truths taught throughout the ages—principles of inner growth and self-realization that belong to all of humanity. When education supports the unfolding of consciousness, it becomes a journey of transformation that prepares students not only for a career, but for life itself.
This vision found early expression through the life and work of Paramhansa Yogananda, whose pioneering school in India helped lay the foundation for what would later become Living Wisdom School.
Paramhansa Yogananda
Brought ancient, universal wisdom into modern education.
1917
Yogananda opens a school for boys in Ranchi, India, planting the seeds of an educational revolution—one that nurtures spiritual awareness alongside academic learning.
Ranchi School for Boys - 1917 Ranchi, India
The First "How to Live" School
A Lineage of Living Wisdom
Inspired by the pioneering work in Ranchi, Swami Kriyananda gave these universal ideals a contemporary, practical form through the Education for Life approach. This system of learning remains centered on the development of awareness, transforming Yogananda’s "How-to-Live" principles into a global movement.
Education is not merely a preparation for a career; it is a preparation for life itself.
Living Wisdom Schools are the living expression of this lineage—places where education is a path of self-discovery, inner strength, and joyful service. Over generations, our community has expanded across continents, yet the heart remains the same: helping each child grow in wisdom, compassion, and courage, one conscious choice at a time.
Swami Kriyananda, Direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda and founder of the Education for Life approach.
A Global Foundation
This commitment to conscious living is shared with a larger, worldwide movement known as Ananda, founded by Swami Kriyananda. Ananda was created to bring universal principles into daily life through service, community, and purposeful living—with education serving as one of its central pillars.
While this heritage informs the school’s core values, Living Wisdom School is an independent, nonsectarian institution. Its influence is seen through our practical, consciousness-centered approach to learning that honors the individual path of every student and family—resulting in teaching methods that are practical, grounded, and time-tested.
1972
The first Living Wisdom School is founded at Ananda Village in Northern California, establishing the Education for Life approach.
1992
Living Wisdom School of Palo Alto is founded, bringing Education for Life to the heart of Silicon Valley.
2000s
Education for Life-inspired schools begin expanding internationally, with programs established in Italy, India, and Slovenia over the following years.
2017
Living Wisdom High School opens in
Palo Alto to serve teenagers with a consciousness-centered approach to academic and personal growth.
True education can never be crammed and pumped from without;
rather it must aid in bringing spontaneously to the surface
the infinite hoards of wisdom within.
Paramhansa Yogananda
Founder of the First "How to Live" School