Democratic Schools?!
Our Unschooling journey has been so wonderful with so many ebbs and flows that at times it felt unsustainable.. My early journals are filled with "I don't know if I can do this" or "Unsure if this is for us" but we kept going through it and the pandemic formed clear boundaries that helped us stay on this path.
Everyone's path is unique and it starts for many reasons. And if you are starting I'm so happy that you are diving into this lifestyle but at the same time I'm very aware of its limitations when parents have to work or you are still in need of space to continue your inner work. In those days and as you move through your journey I hope you can find and possibly consider a democratic school.
The names of democratic school, sudbury school, agile learning center are some of the names used for places that facilitate self-directed education with the understanding that children ARE people who should be elevated and treated with respect as they discover the world on their own terms.
The movement for micro-schools, especially in the USA, is huge and many places are popping up around the globe. Take your time looking for a place and know that nothing is permanent!! I leave here a few resources to look for such a place in your area that can support you if that's what you are looking for.
Sifaan Zavahir is the co-founder of Kinder Republic and they are the first and only democratic school in Sri Lanka. Their work around children's rights has inspired us (more to come on that later) and I hope you can look through their page and be inspired to find a place that aligns with your values closely. Their most recent zoom call is filled with amazing people and information.
I will also put Kristin Harling in the sport here because she also helped start a sudbury school a while back. She now lives in Belize but she has incredible feedback on the way the schools operate and their benefits. Her worldschooling hub will be happening early 2024 if you would like to join us!!
I will add a few more resources to the forum version of this post . Know that you can also find some of these and much more if you wish to become a member.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey and looking forward to hear your thoughts and experience, if any, with democratic schools.
Picture: Mami's portrait by AD.
