I’ve been hard at work on a new podcast series, wherein I interviewed founders of various Sudbury schools around the world. So far, I’ve already had inspiring, exciting conversations, but a new pattern has struck me along the way. In answering the question “why did you start a school in the first place,” founders almost always respond with the same statement: Because I had to. I had to have this kind of school for my own kids; I could not accept anything less than this for my kids. There is a uniform imperative in the school-founding set, an unwillingness to accept half-measures for their own children, which has produced such an outstanding place for the rest of us as well.

Where does this imperative come from? Mostly, it seems, once someone has caught on to the freedom, autonomy, and responsibility of the self-directed learning model, it’s hard to forget. Even switching the Sudbury philosophy for a more “open” model of mainstream education like Montessori or Waldorf, seems a weak exchange. It’s hard to trade in authentic autonomy for a manufactured “choice” between two or three things. It’s hard to trade in genuine trust for standardized testing, no matter how loosely administered. Once you’ve caught on to the notion of true liberty for children, nothing else ever quite seems to measure up.

Founders set aside whatever plans they may have previously had for their lives when they embark on this journey. And they continue to sacrifice many things - money, career prospects, time, and more - to keep them going. Of course, founding is not a solo journey, and many others join in along the way as well, making similar difficult choices as they do.

The rewards, though, are tremendous. Founders get to watch their own children thrive, and beyond that, they get to watch the vibrant community they’ve built up around them. One founder I spoke to described this as nothing short of magical, watching a beautiful school spring up out of nothing at all, and getting to enjoy the ride every step of the way.

At Alpine Valley School, we have twenty-two years of history. This includes generations of graduates who we have sent out into the world and many others who may have only been with us for a short period (but for whom the magic still lingers). This institution would not exist if not for the founding team, and those of us to whom the baton has been passed. And while I’m not a founder myself, I do feel that same imperative - I have to have this school for my child; I will accept nothing less than this for my child. Because when it comes to freedom, respect, and responsibility, there simply are no substitutes.

Do you think Alpine Valley School may be right for your family, or for someone you know? Schedule a tour of our campus today and find out more!

I Have to Have This For My Kids