What is a Democratic Schools?
A democratic school gives students a direct voice in their own education and the running of the school — combining self-directed learning (students choose what and how to learn) with democratic governance (students and staff share decisions, often one-person-one-vote). Sometimes called "free schools," they trust children as capable, self-motivated learners.
History & origins
Democratic education has roots in schools like Summerhill (England) and the broader free-school movement, emphasizing freedom, responsibility, and student agency.
Philosophy & approach
Democratic schools rest on the belief that children learn best when free to pursue their own interests and when they hold real responsibility for their learning and community — developing self-direction, judgment, and citizenship through genuine choice and shared governance.
Curriculum & academics
There is usually no fixed curriculum or mandatory classes; students learn through self-chosen activities, projects, play, conversation, and offerings they opt into. Learning is interest-driven and often mixed-age, with staff as facilitators and resources.
The classroom & school day
The environment is flexible and community-run, governed through a school meeting where students and staff make rules and decisions together. Age-mixing and freedom of movement are common.
Grade levels & structure
Democratic schools typically serve a wide age range together (roughly K–12) rather than strict grade levels.
Admissions & enrollment
Most are private, admitting by application and family fit with the philosophy; a few public options exist. Tuition is often modest relative to other private schools.
Costs & financial aid
Private democratic schools charge tuition (frequently on the lower end, sometimes sliding-scale); public options are free.
Accreditation & governance
These schools are usually independently run; formal accreditation varies. Families should understand the model deeply and observe the school in action.
Is a Democratic Schools right for your child?
A democratic school suits families who deeply trust self-directed learning and student agency and whose child thrives with freedom and responsibility. It is a significant philosophical departure from conventional schooling; families seeking structure, set curriculum, and testing will find it very different.
How it compares to other schools
Democratic schools are the most self-directed alternative model — related to Sudbury schools and the free-school tradition. They go further than Montessori or progressive schools in student freedom and shared governance.
Finding Democratic Schools
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists democratic and other alternative schools across the country.
Key facts
- ModelSelf-directed learning plus democratic (shared) governance
- Also calledFree schools
- CurriculumUsually none required; interest-driven, mixed-age
- GovernanceSchool meeting — students and staff decide together
- CostTuition (often modest) or free (public)
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: