We are THRILLED to have our sons going to Eugene Sudbury School! Here is a bit about their philosophy: More than just hands-on... Sudbury model schools depend on self-paced, self-initiated deep learning. It is the kind of learning that doesn't depend on bells or limits, but stretches across the day or even the academic year, and ultimately, across students' lifetimes. There need not be an arbitrary end to the challenge, but instead students can see how one challenge leads to the next. Thus the natural inquiry associated with Sudbury schools situates problems in context, in history, and in geography. It enables deep understanding, critical thinking, questioning, and ultimately, significant learning. There are four key components to a democratic education: freedom, democracy, responsibility, and equality. FREEDOM Sudbury students are free to choose how they spend their days. We believe in children's innate curiosity, impulse to learn, and drive to become successful adults. We allow them the freedom and the ultimate responsibility to choose their curriculum. Our curriculum is the unlimited palette of life, from chess to gaming, chicken raising to mentoring younger students. There are as many successful adult paths as there are curious children. We value all children's paths. We respect and value all disciplines and learning endeavors. We offer a space for nontraditional pursuits as well as traditionally academic ones to exist alongside one another. We place a strong emphasis on self-evaluation, so we do not grade students but offer support when needed. read more

This is how school should be done! Students of all ages and levels have the opportunity to learn their way. Kids have numerous choices--art, outdoors, quiet reading, computers, science, math, cooking, gardening, a romp room, and more. They can take classes, workshops, and field trips. They learn by doing what they enjoy. Sudbury is a democratic immersion school, so students as young as 6 learn problem solving and conflict resolution and apply those skills daily in a real world setting. If you are discouraged by the testing, worksheet, and excessive homework culture that has robbed students of the thrill of learning in traditional schools, you should check out this school! read more