the sudbury philosophy
At Katuah Sudbury School students learn how to think, not what to think. Students choose their own activities and activly participate in running the school as a direct democracy. By being responsible for themselves, their school, and their own education, students at KSS practice life in a safe and supportive environment.
At Sudbury Model schools, Students choose their own activities because they have an innate desire and ability to learn, and left to their own devices they will discover what it is they need to learn and do so at their own pace. Just as an infant learns to walk and talk of its own volition and internal motivation, an older child can learn to read, write, use computers, and play music using the same techniques as the infant: observe, try, fail, try again. Students help to run the school because in order to be successful, responsible adults active in a democratic society, it helps to have the chance to practice as a child. The students and staff members each have one vote at the weekly school meeting that runs the school. At the school meeting rules are created and modified, staff is hired, the budget is worked out, and important elements of the school decided on by vote
Because what we need to know in this information age changes so fast and without notice, the staff and founders of Katuah Sudbury School believe that knowing how to learn is much more important than what you learn. At Katuah Sudbury School, students will gain the self-confidence and motivation to be able to become lifelong learners, unafraid to tackle new challenges and new ideas. Since learning at Katuah Sudbury School is self-initiated, students do not become accustomed to having knowledge force-fed to them against their will. Rather, they gain the knowledge and self-confidence to learn and acquire new skills with dedication and perseverance whenever and wherever they need them.
For more information on the Sudbury Model of education see the SVS website at www.sudval.org especially their online library. Also check out our frequently asked questions page.