sudbury-type schools experience
DJ250
Hello, all! :-)
Was wondering if any on this list had any experience with Sudbury
Valley-model schools? Anyone send their kids there? There's one near
me, Fairhaven, in Upper Marlboro. I just went to the open house today,
out of curiosity and as a just-in-case (in case girls want to go to
school or some other thing happens). Cool school! I know there are
pros and cons either way and we are happy unschoolers as I write this.
:-)
Thanks!
~Melissa :-)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Was wondering if any on this list had any experience with Sudbury
Valley-model schools? Anyone send their kids there? There's one near
me, Fairhaven, in Upper Marlboro. I just went to the open house today,
out of curiosity and as a just-in-case (in case girls want to go to
school or some other thing happens). Cool school! I know there are
pros and cons either way and we are happy unschoolers as I write this.
:-)
Thanks!
~Melissa :-)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Joyce Fetteroll
On Jan 24, 2009, at 4:54 PM, DJ250 wrote:
response to similar questions is "It depends ":-)
For one thing, the schools are independent so the culture of each is
a bit different.
Second the kids can have vastly different experiences depending on
the child's personality and on the kids that happen to be there. The
kids are more than just peers there. They implement the democracy
model so the mix of kids in a particular year will have a larger
impact on the environment than in a regular school. So some kids have
said they loved it and some have really disliked it.
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> Was wondering if any on this list had any experience with SudburyIf no one with personal experience comes along, what I've heard in
> Valley-model schools?
response to similar questions is "It depends ":-)
For one thing, the schools are independent so the culture of each is
a bit different.
Second the kids can have vastly different experiences depending on
the child's personality and on the kids that happen to be there. The
kids are more than just peers there. They implement the democracy
model so the mix of kids in a particular year will have a larger
impact on the environment than in a regular school. So some kids have
said they loved it and some have really disliked it.
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kelly Nishan
--- In [email protected], "DJ250" <dj250@...> wrote:
My daughter went to a democratic free school briefly called Balance
Rock. She had only been out of school for about a month when she
went for the first time and it freaked her out. She was 13 at the
time. After awhile she went back though and really enjoyed it. She
never went more than once a week because of the cost but she chose
the day of the week that had cooking which interested her. I think
for her it was a good introduction into alternative education. Last
year she didn't go at all but was interested in going this year.
Balance Rock closed this year so a group of parents started Think
Tank which is not a democratic free school but offers a variety of
classes and social opportunities mostly geared towards teens in a
pretty laid back setting. We both LOVE Think Tank. It is very
homey and comfortable and is closer to our home and on a bus route
so it's really easy for us to get to. The peole are amazing and
the classes are geared to be appeal to the kids.
Like Joyce said though is depends on the kiddo and the school
culture and if it is a good match. Like everything else in
unschooling it's all about exploring opportunites and being in tune
with your kid. If it works out great, if not no problem.
Kelly
>Hi Melissa
> Hello, all! :-)
>
> Was wondering if any on this list had any experience with Sudbury
> Valley-model schools?
> Thanks!
>
> ~Melissa :-)
>
My daughter went to a democratic free school briefly called Balance
Rock. She had only been out of school for about a month when she
went for the first time and it freaked her out. She was 13 at the
time. After awhile she went back though and really enjoyed it. She
never went more than once a week because of the cost but she chose
the day of the week that had cooking which interested her. I think
for her it was a good introduction into alternative education. Last
year she didn't go at all but was interested in going this year.
Balance Rock closed this year so a group of parents started Think
Tank which is not a democratic free school but offers a variety of
classes and social opportunities mostly geared towards teens in a
pretty laid back setting. We both LOVE Think Tank. It is very
homey and comfortable and is closer to our home and on a bus route
so it's really easy for us to get to. The peole are amazing and
the classes are geared to be appeal to the kids.
Like Joyce said though is depends on the kiddo and the school
culture and if it is a good match. Like everything else in
unschooling it's all about exploring opportunites and being in tune
with your kid. If it works out great, if not no problem.
Kelly
Heather & Markus Schleidt
I, too, would love to hear more about experiences with these type of schools because I am currently researching the idea of starting something like you were talking about with Think Tank. My kids are young, still, but what I envision is a "Center" where kids can come and learn on their own in their own style with resource people helping. It wouldn't be a school, but kind of like a resource center with different sections set up to accommodate art, science, computers, etc without totally separating them into "subjects". I will need a lot of research and probably will have to visit some different places and see how they work administratively. Will also have to research the financial aspect of it. I once told my husband that if he ever quit his job we had to move close to Sudbury so my children would be able to go there. My oldest two would probably thrive there!
Heather (in Ohio)
To: [email protected]: kel9769@...: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:40:24 +0000Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: sudbury-type schools experience
--- In [email protected], "DJ250" <dj250@...> wrote:>> Hello, all! :-)> > Was wondering if any on this list had any experience with Sudbury> Valley-model schools? > Thanks!> > ~Melissa :-)> Hi MelissaMy daughter went to a democratic free school briefly called Balance Rock. She had only been out of school for about a month when she went for the first time and it freaked her out. She was 13 at the time. After awhile she went back though and really enjoyed it. She never went more than once a week because of the cost but she chose the day of the week that had cooking which interested her. I think for her it was a good introduction into alternative education. Last year she didn't go at all but was interested in going this year.Balance Rock closed this year so a group of parents started Think Tank which is not a democratic free school but offers a variety of classes and social opportunities mostly geared towards teens in a pretty laid back setting. We both LOVE Think Tank. It is very homey and comfortable and is closer to our home and on a bus route so it's really easy for us to get to. The peole are amazing and the classes are geared to be appeal to the kids. Like Joyce said though is depends on the kiddo and the school culture and if it is a good match. Like everything else in unschooling it's all about exploring opportunites and being in tune with your kid. If it works out great, if not no problem.Kelly
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Heather (in Ohio)
To: [email protected]: kel9769@...: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:40:24 +0000Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: sudbury-type schools experience
--- In [email protected], "DJ250" <dj250@...> wrote:>> Hello, all! :-)> > Was wondering if any on this list had any experience with Sudbury> Valley-model schools? > Thanks!> > ~Melissa :-)> Hi MelissaMy daughter went to a democratic free school briefly called Balance Rock. She had only been out of school for about a month when she went for the first time and it freaked her out. She was 13 at the time. After awhile she went back though and really enjoyed it. She never went more than once a week because of the cost but she chose the day of the week that had cooking which interested her. I think for her it was a good introduction into alternative education. Last year she didn't go at all but was interested in going this year.Balance Rock closed this year so a group of parents started Think Tank which is not a democratic free school but offers a variety of classes and social opportunities mostly geared towards teens in a pretty laid back setting. We both LOVE Think Tank. It is very homey and comfortable and is closer to our home and on a bus route so it's really easy for us to get to. The peole are amazing and the classes are geared to be appeal to the kids. Like Joyce said though is depends on the kiddo and the school culture and if it is a good match. Like everything else in unschooling it's all about exploring opportunites and being in tune with your kid. If it works out great, if not no problem.Kelly
_________________________________________________________________
Hotmail® goes where you go. On a PC, on the Web, on your phone.
http://www.windowslive-hotmail.com/learnmore/versatility.aspx#mobile?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_WL_HM_versatility_121208
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Faith Void
My daughter toyed with the idea of attending school for a while so we looked
into this type school. Circle School in Harrisburg, PA. She wanted to go for
social reasons so this seemed like the best fit for her needs. Ultimately we
didn't end up doing it. She has a few friends that use to homeschool and now
go there. For their families it is their best option. Single mamas that
needed to go to work and the kids are just a little too young to stay home
all day by themselves. The kids love it for what it is, a social
opportunity. They play with kids all day and can basically do whatever moves
them. However they are obligated to be there daily for at least 5 hours a
day. They can have time doing other "educational" activities count towards
school but basically they need to be in school for a minimum amount of time.
We figured out that she would need to be there by 11 am which means she'd
have to wake by 9 to get ready. that didn't work for her.
faith
into this type school. Circle School in Harrisburg, PA. She wanted to go for
social reasons so this seemed like the best fit for her needs. Ultimately we
didn't end up doing it. She has a few friends that use to homeschool and now
go there. For their families it is their best option. Single mamas that
needed to go to work and the kids are just a little too young to stay home
all day by themselves. The kids love it for what it is, a social
opportunity. They play with kids all day and can basically do whatever moves
them. However they are obligated to be there daily for at least 5 hours a
day. They can have time doing other "educational" activities count towards
school but basically they need to be in school for a minimum amount of time.
We figured out that she would need to be there by 11 am which means she'd
have to wake by 9 to get ready. that didn't work for her.
faith
On Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 4:54 PM, DJ250 <dj250@...> wrote:
> Hello, all! :-)
>
> Was wondering if any on this list had any experience with Sudbury
> Valley-model schools? Anyone send their kids there? There's one near
> me, Fairhaven, in Upper Marlboro. I just went to the open house today,
> out of curiosity and as a just-in-case (in case girls want to go to
> school or some other thing happens). Cool school! I know there are
> pros and cons either way and we are happy unschoolers as I write this.
> :-)
>
> Thanks!
>
> ~Melissa :-)
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> .
>
>
>
--
http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
www.bearthmama.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Joyce Fetteroll
On Jan 27, 2009, at 9:47 AM, Heather & Markus Schleidt wrote:
Sudbury Valley is ;-)
Not sure if there is a connection to the town of Sudbury though
they're near each other.
eventually. Not soon! But some day.
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> I once told my husband that if he ever quit his job we had to moveActually you need to move close to Framingham MA which is where
> close to Sudbury so my children would be able to go there.
Sudbury Valley is ;-)
Not sure if there is a connection to the town of Sudbury though
they're near each other.
> kind of like a resource center with different sections set up toI can envision that's what public learning might look like
> accommodate art, science, computers, etc without totally separating
> them into "subjects".
eventually. Not soon! But some day.
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Meridith Richardson
wow I see there is one in south florida but I do not see anything like this near me :( My daighter has actually asked abotu such a place but I had never heard of it.
Meridith
Meridith
--- On Tue, 1/27/09, Heather & Markus Schleidt <hmschleidt@...> wrote:
From: Heather & Markus Schleidt <hmschleidt@...>
Subject: RE: [unschoolingbasics] Re: sudbury-type schools experience
To: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 9:47 AM
I, too, would love to hear more about experiences with these type of schools because I am currently researching the idea of starting something like you were talking about with Think Tank. My kids are young, still, but what I envision is a "Center" where kids can come and learn on their own in their own style with resource people helping. It wouldn't be a school, but kind of like a resource center with different sections set up to accommodate art, science, computers, etc without totally separating them into "subjects". I will need a lot of research and probably will have to visit some different places and see how they work administratively. Will also have to research the financial aspect of it. I once told my husband that if he ever quit his job we had to move close to Sudbury so my children would be able to go there. My oldest two would probably thrive there!
Heather (in Ohio)
To: unschoolingbasics@ yahoogroups. comFrom: kel9769@yahoo. comDate: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:40:24 +0000Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: sudbury-type schools experience
--- In unschoolingbasics@ yahoogroups. com, "DJ250" <dj250@...> wrote:>> Hello, all! :-)> > Was wondering if any on this list had any experience with Sudbury> Valley-model schools? > Thanks!> > ~Melissa :-)> Hi MelissaMy daughter went to a democratic free school briefly called Balance Rock. She had only been out of school for about a month when she went for the first time and it freaked her out. She was 13 at the time. After awhile she went back though and really enjoyed it. She never went more than once a week because of the cost but she chose the day of the week that had cooking which interested her. I think for her it was a good introduction into alternative education. Last year she didn't go at all but was interested in going this year.Balance Rock closed this year so a group of parents started Think Tank which is not a democratic free school but offers a variety of classes and social opportunities mostly geared towards teens in a pretty laid back
setting. We both LOVE Think Tank. It is very homey and comfortable and is closer to our home and on a bus route so it's really easy for us to get to. The peole are amazing and the classes are geared to be appeal to the kids. Like Joyce said though is depends on the kiddo and the school culture and if it is a good match. Like everything else in unschooling it's all about exploring opportunites and being in tune with your kid. If it works out great, if not no problem.Kelly
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Kelly Nishan
--- In [email protected], Heather & Markus Schleidt
<hmschleidt@...> wrote:
in their own style with resource people helping. It wouldn't be a
school, but kind of like a resource center with different sections
set up to accommodate art, science, computers, etc without totally
separating them into "subjects". >
Playing around on u tube can be a good place to find things like
that. There is a center like that in western MA called Morning Star
that has some videos on u tube. They started out very small and
have grown because the concept works for lots of kids. I too hope
someday public education can be set up this way to benifit more
kids. In the meantime I am so grateful to have found a different
path that works for my daughter.
As a sidenote Liz started a new session at Think Tank yesterday.
Last session she took US Histry and Creative Writing and tried
French but hated it so dropped it. This session I gave her the
schedule and she decided to stick with History and Writing. She
also bought herself a camera and is taking photography and is giving
Spanish a try. She's also taking an Art calss at a local studio.
When I picked her up last night she gave me a hard time because they
are offerering Algebra and why didn't I sign her up for that. I was
joking with her that she is giving me grief for not "letting" her
take math. I turned to the director and asked if there's space in
the class and there is so no problem she can take Algebra. Another
instance of a kid who does not "have" to do anything and chooses to
fill her days with things that are interesting and challenging to
her given the right support system.
Kelly
<hmschleidt@...> wrote:
>I envision is a "Center" where kids can come and learn on their own
>
in their own style with resource people helping. It wouldn't be a
school, but kind of like a resource center with different sections
set up to accommodate art, science, computers, etc without totally
separating them into "subjects". >
> Heather (in Ohio)Hi Heather
>
>
Playing around on u tube can be a good place to find things like
that. There is a center like that in western MA called Morning Star
that has some videos on u tube. They started out very small and
have grown because the concept works for lots of kids. I too hope
someday public education can be set up this way to benifit more
kids. In the meantime I am so grateful to have found a different
path that works for my daughter.
As a sidenote Liz started a new session at Think Tank yesterday.
Last session she took US Histry and Creative Writing and tried
French but hated it so dropped it. This session I gave her the
schedule and she decided to stick with History and Writing. She
also bought herself a camera and is taking photography and is giving
Spanish a try. She's also taking an Art calss at a local studio.
When I picked her up last night she gave me a hard time because they
are offerering Algebra and why didn't I sign her up for that. I was
joking with her that she is giving me grief for not "letting" her
take math. I turned to the director and asked if there's space in
the class and there is so no problem she can take Algebra. Another
instance of a kid who does not "have" to do anything and chooses to
fill her days with things that are interesting and challenging to
her given the right support system.
Kelly