Sudbury International is a network that connects and supports schools inspired by the Sudbury Valley School model—a model that has been around for over half a century and has been interpreted in many different ways across the world. The organization is not a franchise, an accrediting body, or a rulebook. Sudbury International provides a space for Sudbury schools to collaborate, a platform to share the many ways people practice self-directed education, and resources and support for those exploring Sudbury learning.
SUDBURY COMMUNITY VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
NEW! Discover global connections. Join a vibrant community of friends, families, alumni, students, and staff from Sudbury schools worldwide. Explore diverse perspectives on educational philosophy and practice through multimedia resources.
The Sudbury Community Book Club is an initiative by Sudbury International designed to foster connection and community among the global network of Sudbury schools. This multimedia book club brings together friends, families, alumni, students, and staff from Sudbury schools worldwide to explore books, articles, podcasts, and videos that deepen understanding of self-directed, democratic education and build bridges across our diverse learning communities.
The book club embodies Sudbury International's mission of connecting and supporting schools and learning centers, providing both a platform for sharing experiences and a resource for those exploring the transformative potential of Sudbury learning.
December Book Club: Unschooling Yourself
Please join us on December 3rd at 6:30 pm Central Time / 7:30 pm Eastern Time for an engaging Sudbury Community Book Club discussion. Register here.
This month we explore the journey families take when their children become self-directed learners. Our primary reading to support this discussion is the 2025 book by Esther Jones, The Parent’s Handbook to Unschooling Yourself - Jessica Kingsley Publishers
“To unschool your child, you must first unschool yourself.”
When a student joins a self-directed learning program, the entire family needs to be prepared to examine their pre-existing beliefs about schooling.
What are popular assumptions about learning and achievement that are hard to let go of?
What are fears and worries about self-directed learning that nag at us?
What is your “job” on this journey?
How do you know if it is “working”?
How do you make space for your child and yourself?
Why affording yourself self-compassion might be more important than you realize.
Join us for stories, strategies, and conversation!
The Parent’s Handbook to Unschooling Yourself is available in print and digital through libraries and independent booksellers.
No time to read the book? Here are some suggested short cuts.
Podcasts
The School Can’t Experience : #35 - Unschooling Ourselves with Esther Jones (46 minutes)
The Unschool Space: Deschooling and Moving Beyond our Limiting Beliefs (51 minutes)
Articles
Beyond rules, expectations and control - an uncomfortable and endlessly rewarding space - Esther Jones
Things I Wish I Had Known - Esther Jones
Videos
Welcome to the Sudbury in Depth series, where Sudbury International takes a deep dive into the philosophy and practice of the Sudbury model. Each episode, three staff members from different schools will share their perspectives and experiences on a topic.
Enjoy this roundtable discussion with graduates from four different Sudbury schools as they share their experiences, insights, and how self-directed learning has impacted their lives. Hear firsthand how Sudbury alumni navigate higher education, careers, and personal growth—without traditional grades, tests, or a set curriculum.
The event features an introduction by Dr. Peter Gray, research professor at Boston College and author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life.
Watch Sudbury International’s recent webinar about community and autonomy in school featuring:
Cassi Clausen from The Open School in California, USA
Menahem Goren representing Sudbury schools in Israel
Daniel Merino from Udesya in Mexico
Christen Parker-Yarnal from The Miami Sudbury School, USA
Ellen Goode from WyldFlower Learning Center, USA
Je'anna Clements from Riverstone Village, South Africa
BLOG POSTS
Be sure to check out Sudbury International’s blog posts covering different aspects of the Sudbury School model, personal experiences with the approach to learning, democracy in Sudbury schools, the role of curiosity, what is learning, the role of conflict resolution, and much more!
