The Brooklyn Free School
The Brooklyn Free School | Free / Democratic and Unschooling
The very concept of a “free school” is intriguing to me. What would really happen if we quit pushing education on children and instead let them learn what they wanted, when they wanted, and how they wanted? One might assume that they’d end up wasting their day away and never learn to read, write, or solve problems. But, The Brooklyn Free School is proving that notion wrong. The Brooklyn Free School was founded based on the principals of The Sudbury Valley School and Summerhill School (see resources below) which both have a long tradition of success. The Brooklyn Free School is governed via a democratic meeting which includes staff and students—each individual having a single vote. This process is used to hire staff and handle disputes. Students are supported by a staff of teachers who they can go to with questions and interests. The teachers can connect students with readings, people, and other resources that can enhance their study of a particular subject. There are no classes. There is no division of students by age. There are no required textbooks. There are no tests. Students are free to pursue their individual interests for however long they want and in whatever manner they choose, thereby placing that responsibility for learning on the student. Fascinating. http://www.brooklynfreeschool.org/
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