Michael

Sudbury Valley School is a fascinating example of “alternative” learning. I say alternative only in the sense that it is different than mainstream, but after reading about the school, their method of “teaching” seems more normal to me.

There are no classrooms, no curriculum and no lesson plans. Teachers exist but not in the same way that we know teachers. From a very early age, students define what they want to learn, how they will learn and when. Some choose to play for years. Others learn algebra not because they have to but because they want to overcome their fear of it. Others study music, but all seem to come out of the school educated and highly balanced individuals.

Apparently 80% of the graduates of the school go on to get university level degrees and become highly successful in their chosen fields. The premise of the school is that every student knows better than anyone what they want to be, what they enjoy doing, how they learn best and the timeframe for their studies. The children here have the freedom to choose at every moment the direction that they want to go.

I find reading about this school very inspirational. It gives me hope that there are some solutions to our educational challenges in this country. There is a lot of information on their website. Please spread the news about this school and others that are listed there.

Have a great day!

Michael