Sudbury Valley School Inc

About Sudbury Valley School

Since 1968, Sudbury Valley School has pioneered self-directed education, a model that trusts young people to take charge of their own learning, pursue meaningful work, and develop the confidence and capability they need to flourish in the world.

Located on a beautiful 10-acre campus in Framingham, Massachusetts, our community includes students ages 4 to 19, all learning together in a setting grounded in freedom, responsibility, and democratic governance. For over five decades, we’ve offered an alternative to traditional education that is human-centered, developmentally respectful, and profoundly effective.

Our Mission

Sudbury Valley School exists to support young people in becoming self-reliant, curious, responsible, and empowered adults.

We believe children learn best when:

• They have agency over how they spend their time
• They are surrounded by a diverse, mixed-age community
• Their voices matter in real decision-making
• They are trusted to grow at their own pace
• They are provided the space and freedom to discover their passions

Our mission is simple: to preserve and protect an environment where these conditions flourish every day.

How Sudbury Valley Works

There are no required classes, no grades, and no standardized testing. Instead, students design their own days - creating art, exploring nature, playing music, and engaging in the authentic work of childhood and adolescence.

Students and staff share equal votes in the School Meeting, which governs everything from budgeting to rules. This democratic structure teaches responsibility, communication, and real-world decision-making far more effectively than lectures ever could.

Every part of school life is infused with trust in children’s natural curiosity, in their internal motivation, and in their ability to grow into capable, resilient young adults when given freedom and respect.

Our Impact

Sudbury Valley graduates go on to lead fulfilling and diverse lives. Many attend college (often after thoughtfully choosing their path), while others enter trades, arts, entrepreneurial ventures, technology fields, or community work.

Research on Sudbury Valley alumni shows that they are:

• Self-motivated learners
• Comfortable with ambiguity and problem-solving
• Independent thinkers
• Strong communicators
• Resilient and adaptable in changing environments
• Skilled at navigating interpersonal and community dynamics

For over 55 years, our model has demonstrated that when young people are trusted and respected, they rise far beyond conventional expectations.

Why Donations Matter

We work hard to keep tuition as accessible as possible so more families can benefit from self-directed education. Your gift directly supports us in this mission by helping us cover other costs like campus preservation and improvements. Our historic 19th-century mansion, barn, and grounds require ongoing maintenance. Contributions help us maintain safe, inspiring spaces for exploration, creativity, and community life.

Your donation has a direct, immediate, and lasting impact on the lives of young people who are learning how to navigate the world with clarity, purpose, and self-trust.

A School Where Children Truly Belong

At Sudbury Valley, young people:

• Feel safe to be themselves
• Discover interests that feel meaningful
• Develop strong relationships
• Learn to advocate for their needs
• Build confidence in their abilities
• Experience real responsibility
• Grow into grounded, capable adults

This is not just an educational model. It’s a community that honors childhood, respects adolescence, and believes in every young person’s inherent potential.

Join Us

Your support helps preserve a pioneering educational model that has transformed thousands of lives and continues to inspire schools around the world.

By giving to Sudbury Valley School, you are helping build a future where more children can grow with freedom, responsibility, creativity, and purpose.

Thank you for being part of this work.