The Earthship Academy
The foremost autonomous building school in the world
Gain an understanding of autonomous living and build your own Earthship!
Earthship Biotecture is committed to offering extensive educational and training opportunities incorporating off-grid design principles, construction methods, and philosophy.
Here are the several steps towards the Graduation Requirements:
Step 1- ACADEMY SESSIONS:
Complete LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 2 Academy sessions in Taos, where you have classes (theory) and some practice (basic hands-on introduction) or an online Session, where you will be able to watch all the course as if you were attending in person. Please note that you can attend Level 1 and Level 2 at any time; there is no time limit to complete the Steps of Academy.
STEP 2- FIELD STUDY or INDEPENDENT STUDY:
Students receive credit towards this requirement by participating in an official Earthship Biotecture Field Studies project. Field Study opportunities are intended to help further student’s knowledge of hands-on building techniques by inviting them to work alongside the Earthship Biotecture crew on a ground up build. We usually have at least one per year.
The Independent Study may take place anywhere in the world and may be physical or digital. Students may propose their Independent Study after they complete Step 1. Independent Studies must receive written approval from Academy Staff and are subject to review to qualify for credit
ACADEMY SESSIONS (Step 1)
TUITION:
LEVEL 1 (At Earthship Headquarters) PRICE: $ 950 USD + New Mexico Tax applies
LEVEL 2 (At Earthship Headquarters~Must complete Level 1 first) PRICE: $1100 USD +New Mexico Tax applies
Specials:
We offer a $ 150 USD discount on Level 1 and $ 100 USD discount on Level 2 for each for pairs doing the academy together and students who have completed the internship.
We offer $ 150 USD discount on Level 1 for people from New Mexico (Valid photo ID and proof of address required)
$ 150 USD off for all Salisbury University students and Antioch students for Level 1
~ Only one discount applied at a time.~
Please note that we need a $ 200 USD deposit to book your spot, which is nonrefundable, but may be used towards future sessions for up to 2 years. In the event of cancellation 2 weeks or less before the start of the session date, your deposit will be kept. In the event of cancellation more than 2 weeks prior to the session, we will withhold 15% of the total cost of the program from your credit. This applies every time you change sessions.
OR
TUITION: $1,200 USD
You will have access to all the classes for 3 months (or 6 months if you need an extension) and LIVE Q&A with Michael Reynolds as well as the textbook.
IN PERSON ACADEMY in Taos, New Mexico, USA:
LEVEL 1
PRICE: $ 950 USD + taxes
Choose one of the following available dates:
May 4th to 10th,
June 1st to 7th,
August 3rd to 9th,
September 7th to 13th,
October 5th to 11th
LEVEL 1 SCHEDULE:
Please note that schedules are subject to change
Monday
9am – 9.30am: Orientation with Heidi Loehrer
9.30am – 10.30am: History and Concept of Earthships with Michael Reynolds
10.30am – 11am: Break
11am – 12.30pm: Building with Natural and recycled materials with Michael Reynolds
12:30pm – 1.30pm: LUNCH (Bring your own)
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Learn how to pound tires
Tuesday
9am – 10.30am: Passive Solar Heating and Cooling in Earthships with Michael Reynolds
10.30am – 11am: Break
11am – 12.30pm: Water Harvesting, Storage, and Filtration with Michael Reynolds
12.30 – 1.30pm: LUNCH (Bring your own)
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Learn how to lay cans
Wednesday
9am – 10.30am: Contained Sewage Treatment and Food Production
10.30am – 11am: Break
11am – 12.30pm: Humanitarian Projects Class
12.30pm – 1.30pm: LUNCH (Bring your own)
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Learn how to make and lay bottle bricks
Thursday
9am – 10.30am: Solar/Wind Electricity with Michael Reynolds
10.30am – 11am: Break
11am – 12.30pm: Simple Survival Class with Michael Reynolds
12.30pm – 1.30pm: LUNCH (Bring your own)
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Learn how to mud plaster
Friday
9am – 10.30am: Staging an Earthship build and next steps of Earthship Journey
10.30am – 11am: Break
11am – 12.30pm: Q&A by Michael Reynolds
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Tour of Earthships/T-shirts Grab
Saturday
HOUSING Check Out by 10am
LEVEL 2
PRICE: $1100 USD (+NM state tax, 7.5%, this is subject to change) You can only register to Level 2 if you completed or are registered for a Level 1 week beforehand.
Choose one of the following available dates:
- May 11th -16th
- August 10th – 15th
- October 12th – 17th
LEVEL 2 SCHEDULE:
Please note that schedules are subject to change
Monday:
9am – 10.30am: Earthship Operations 1
10.30am -11am: Break
11.00am – 12.30pm: How to Build Grey and Black Water Systems
12.30am – 1.30pm: LUNCH (provided by Earthship)
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Jobsite with the Crew
Tuesday
9am -10.30am: Operation 2
10.30am – 11am: Break
11am – 12.30pm: WOM Lab
12:30pm – 1.30pm: LUNCH (Bring your own)
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Jobsite with the Crew
Wednesday
9am – 10.30am: Food Production in Earthship
10.30am – 11am: Break
11am – 12.30pm: Maintenance Lab
12:30pm – 1.30pm: LUNCH (Bring your own)
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Jobsite with the Crew
Thursday
9am – 12.30pm: Layout Lab
12.30pm – 1:30pm: LUNCH (Bring your own)
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Jobsite with the Crew
Friday
9am – 10.00am: Basics of Electricity
10.00am – 11.00am: POM Lab
11.00am – 11.30: Break
11.30am – 12.30pm: Q&A
12.30 – 1.30pm: LUNCH (Bring your own)
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Jobsite with the crew
Saturday
HOUSING Check Out by 11am
Jobsite with the crew
Students typically work on at least two different Earthship construction projects, usually one of them being on our latest Earthship Model, the Refuge. Instructors divide the class into smaller groups and work on a variety of aspects like pounding tires, can and bottle wall construction, adobe mud pack-out and plaster, carpentry, roofing, glazing (installing windows), and independent power and water systems.
Labs
The Labs give students a chance to go in-depth with the technical aspects of the Earthship systems. With guidance from our Plumbing Specialist, students build a Water Organizing Module and learn about all filters, pumps and valves. Students also do hands-on basic electrical wiring for lights and switches. During the Earthship Maintenance Lab students learn all aspects of caring for an Earthship building from servicing the batteries for the solar system to building a water system. We also now have brand new labs like carpentry and food production!
Taos Campus and Housing
Campus
The Earthship Academy is based at the Greater World Earthship Community which is the world’s largest sustainable, approved subdivision and home to the world’s first Sustainable Development Testing Site. Classes are held at the Academy Classroom which is housed in a modular Earthship at the entrance to the community. Hands-on building takes place within the community, on the Test Site and at other locations in the Taos area.
Optional Housing
Housing through the Earthship Academy is entirely optional. However, for those interested in an immersive Earthship experience, we offer very basic, dormitory-style housing to Academy students for an additional fee.
The accommodations are in an Earthship-inspired building in the Earthship Greater World Community, near our construction site and classroom.
- The single room is $ 200 USD per week
- The double room with a private bathroom is $ 300 USD per week.
Free wifi and a fully fitted kitchen are available in our student housing.
These spaces are limited and are offered on a first come, first served basis
Dogs are not allowed in student housing.
Please note:
Taos, New Mexico is a high desert with an extreme climate. Temperatures can vary from over 100 degrees in the summer to 30 degrees below zero in the winter. The elevation is 6,950 feet above sea level which can cause elevation sickness, high winds and temperature variations of 40 degrees in a matter of minutes.
There is no public transportation, Uber or Taxi service in Taos. Please consider this when making your travel arrangements. The Earthship community, job sites and the town of Taos (food shopping, laundry facilities, gas, etc.) are spread out and driving is a must. If you choose to participate without a vehicle, you will be dependent upon your fellow students for rides.
We also have nightly rentals available in the Greater World Community, if you are looking for more comfort or dog friendly options:
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU LET US KNOW THAT YOU ARE COMING FOR THE ACADEMY WHEN YOU BOOK THE NIGHTLY RENTAL SO WE CAN APPLY A SPECIAL STUDENT DISCOUNT
Email academy@earthship.com or call +1 575 751 0462 if you have any questions concerning housing
You dont have to stay on our campus, and you can find your own accommodation, outside of what we offer, but we strongly advise having a car, as Taos is quite spread out and there is no public transportation.
There are plenty of hotels and RV spots around, as well as camping options nearby but please note camping is not available on the campus itself or in the Greater World Community
Who we are:
The Earthship Biotecture Academy offers extensive training in Earthship design principles, construction methods, and philosophy. Academy classes, labs, tours, and hands-on construction techniques are led by top Earthship builders. The Academy offers education for those who are excited to learn and live the Earthship philosophy.
Who you are:
The Academy has trained over 5000 students from around the world. Students come from diverse backgrounds, many are trained architects, municipal planners, artists, teachers, industrial designers, professional builders, community and environmental activists. There are no prerequisites to attend our program, however applicants must be self-reliant and prepared to work in an intense group environment and take care of themselves physically, financially, and emotionally.
Graduating from the Academy
There is no time limit on completing the path to graduation. Some students pursue their degrees in Earthship Biotecture aggressively, while others are content with the knowledge they gain during their Academy session and do not strive to graduate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Still have some questions? Check our FAQ:
Are you unable to come to Taos? Unable to enter the U.S.? Under 21 years old? Don’t want to take time off work?
YOU MAY STILL BE ABLE TO LEARN WITH US!
The ONLINE ACADEMY you can access all the classes, which have been recorded from the original Earthship Academy.
If you watch 2 or 3 hours of classes daily for 4 weeks, so you should be able to finish it in one month or you can break it at your own pace.
