Democratic school

A democratic school is a school that centers on democratic principles and participatory democracy with "full and equal" participation from both students and staff. These learning environments position youth voice as the central actor in the educative process by engaging students in every facet of school operations, including learning, teaching, and leadership. Adult staff support students by offering passive and active facilitation according to students' interest.

History

The oldest surviving democratic school, Summerhill School in England, was founded in 1921 by A.S. Neill. Summerhill is a private school that recieves government funds and is held accountable to government standards. In the United States, well known successful examples include the Sudbury Valley School and the smaller, inner-city Albany Free School in upstate NY.

Related Topics:
Summerhill School - A.S. Neill - Sudbury Valley School - Albany Free School

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At least 70 schools around the world identify themselves as "democratic schools" today, in countries such us Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States. Since 1993 there is an International Democratic Education Conference (IDEC), held in a different country each year.

Related Topics:
Australia - Brazil - Canada - Denmark - Finland - Israel - Japan - New Zealand - Russia - South Africa - The Netherlands - United Kingdom - United States - International Democratic Education Conference

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