Sudbury Valley School

Reviews

• Submitted by parent on June 17, 2022
  Our family has been very pleased with the Sudbury Valley School for our children. The school's self-directed approach and focus on individual autonomy are praiseworthy, and its 50+ year legacy as a leader in the self-directed education space is unmatched. The multi-age environment, beautiful campus, and resource-rich learning spaces are key benefits of the school. Highly recommend for families who embrace unschooling ideals and aim to give their children the freedom to learn and grow at a school that has demonstrated decades of success.
• Submitted by parent on August 01, 2021
  We, like many families, left SVS in August/September 2020 after a many years of attendance because the school staff 1) refused to follow basic public health requirements during the first year of COVID (just google "Sudbury Valley School mask" to see the news articles about this); 2) called out a minor student by name before the entire school email list in a very negative way, and 3) subverted the school's own democratic principles by refusing to allow students to vote on COVID policies, instead threatening to close the school if students **democratically voted in** mask (or other) policies. People who have been part of SVS and the community Google Group listserv have plenty of evidence to back up what I'm writing, and it's sad. It's incredibly heartbreaking to watch one of the most innovative education models wither on the vine because founding staff members choose to put their own ideological agendas and need for control over student autonomy. Watching the students try over and over to use the extensive skills and philosophies taught to them by the very people who subverted democratic process was so painful - and unnecessary.Other Sudbury model schools are thriving, while the original decays. It's a clear case of "Founder's Syndrome," much like founders of companies who can't let the next generation take over, and so the company folds. If you're told "it's easier" to just move to Framingham than start your own school or to go to a smaller local Sudbury-model school, rethink that advice. You're much better finding a more innovative, truly-democratic school than thinking the original school must be the best. Sadly, it no longer is.
• Submitted by other on May 14, 2021
  no no no no no no no.
• Submitted by parent on April 16, 2021
  We moved to be closer to this school because the long days are wonderful and can be exhausting for little ones. A short commute makes life sane for us. Most kids I know would give their left arm for an educational experience like this. The time to be free, to explore your world at your own pace, with your friends. Education that removes the anxiety of performance works well for our 21st century times. My career didn't exist when I was in public school, learning about career options and being forced to take tests to measure how well I'd adult in the future. Thank goodness this place exists so families who want to prepare their kids for the inevitable changes in work and life in the coming decades have this choice. I am perplexed by disenfranchised, angsty teen reviews here. If you didn't choose this school, did your parents force you? How 'bout this: you don't like the place, go find a good fit for yourself. Allow those who thrive in a self-regulated, self-governed environment to enjoy this novel, truly unique experience. Plenty of room for y'all in public schools, I'm sure.
• Submitted by other on January 19, 2021
  There was zero orientation offered when I first enrolled, it was just show up and do your thing, whatever that is. No run down of rules and procedures*, no faculty advisor, if you have questions then hopefully you can find a staff member to approach who won't be antagonistic but unfortunately that's not a given. If you're shy and don't know anybody it's an intimidating start, since the onus is on you to approach them, rather than someone coming up to you and checking in on you, asking "So, do you have any questions? Is there anything I can help with?" It's a simple thing that would make a difference for a lot of students, but it's apparently against SVS's philosophy to help people out or even offer help. *Sure, you might be given a copy of the by-laws, but that's really kind of laughable considering how many students can't read.Bullying and sexual harassment run rampant and the school does little or nothing to address it. Young children are expected to resolve the matter themselves by writing a complaint and making their case, which is difficult for those who are shy or inexperienced or not articulate. It's bad enough to be harassed by an older boy every time you walk past him, but then to have to write it up and plead your case so that he gets a slap on the wrist can be too much. That's if you even know that you are allowed write a complaint about it; maybe you've inferred that this sort of behavior is acceptable because at SVS it really is. If you're on the fence, be sure to read the school's blog on their website. It's eye-opening just how extreme and judgmental the school's philosophy is when you read the blog posts written by the staff and founders.
• Submitted by parent on September 03, 2017
  I'm excited to have my son at this school. We came from another Sudbury school, very happy with the model, but sad to leave our friends there. When looking for new work, I only considered metro areas with a Sudbury model school. SVS is the original, and we're pleased to see a strong culture of respect, fairness in the self-governing aspects of the school, and generally mature, happy, young people going about their own evolution and self-education. I had to leave New England to discover this model, but now that I'm back it's like coming home in so many ways. Thank you, SVS!
• Submitted by parent on September 02, 2017
  We moved so our kids could attend SVS and they have attended a combined 14 years so far. It's been great for both our kids... 2 very different people. They both love it, therefore we love it. Passionate kids pursuing their interests in a democratic community. Supportive parents group. Great friends. Peaceful and happy family life thanks to no homework battles.
• Submitted by parent on September 01, 2017
  In public school my daughter went out of her way to break rules and antagonize teachers that she did not like. AT SVS she is positive and outgoing. She loves serving on the judicial committee. She has developed wonderful interpersonal skills at SVS. She has also learned personal responsibility. She has recently decided to take some classes at a local community college while attending SVS. She is self motivated and has a great group of friends. She's a totally different kid from the one who left public school.
• Submitted by parent on September 01, 2017
  My daughter started school at SVS last year when she was 4 and absolutely loves it. Shes grown so much for such a little human. She's exhibiting signs of independence, critical thinking and social skills. She loves the staff. Has many new friends. She's already organically learning how to read and do math. This school facilitates the growth and maturing of a responsible, free thinking, contributing member of society. SVS is a big part of the person she is becoming and we couldn't be more proud of her
• Submitted by parent on August 27, 2017
  My child attended SVS for almost 2 years. She started when she was 5. Her first year there seemed to go well, she seemed to make friends, she learned to read, brought home beautiful pottery and other art work. She became more independent at home and we honestly had few problems there. Last year was a different story. The staff members that spent the most time with her disappeared without explanation. The consistent bullying from older students marred her experience. It wasn't just the experience of bullying that was so troubling, it was the lack of adult intervention in these situations that led our 6-year-old child to act aggressively to try and advocate her and her friends. Our child is not a violent kid, so this was the straw that broke the camels back and we pulled her before the year ended. We did not hear about issues from staff until they were getting serious. When we voiced wanting to know about concerns sooner, we were told we would not be told because SVS is "not a tattle-tale school". In the SVS publications, they say straight out they do not want parental input or involvement. This was evident. We had other issues with the school before the last episode. One of the issues we had was the concession (candy and other junk sold everyday). Our daughter gained 12 pounds in 1 year due to the unlimited candy that can be procured (we never gave her money). In one instance, a 5 year old bought $20 worth of candy and other junk, no questions asked. When this concern was brought to the attention of staff, we were told it is a the child's responsibility to moderate their own intake, regardless of if they were 4 or 17. Another concern was the unlimited screen time. Walking through the rooms of the school often felt like Hitchcock's The Birds, trying to not trip over silent adolescents' feet sprawled out on couches and chairs as they stared at their screens. I have heard from past students and staff that SVS used to be an invested school full of opportunity, but that seems like a thing of the past. Our daughter is now at the Macomber Center, where she is engaged and thriving.

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