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other self-directed approaches to Education
Articles about The Clearwater School
Free to Learn: The Clearwater School
Co-founder Stephanie Sarantos reflects on the joys of student-initiated learning at Clearwater, from her perspective as parent and staff member.
First Impressions of an Unschooling School
Jeffrey Howard of Erraticus shares his insight after a tour of Clearwater.
No assignments. No tests. No grades. It’s “no problem” for Bothell school.
This Seattle Times article is the result of many hours that reporter Linda Shaw spent at Clearwater interviewing students and staff, observing and sometimes participating in the day’s activities.
Why The Clearwater School Works
Stephanie Sarantos summarizes research—in psychology, human development and learning theory—documenting the benefits of the Sudbury model.
The Trouble with Education
Arlo Dolven, life-long Clearwater student, explores the problems that come with the traditional U.S. education model and how it compares to Clearwater.
No grades, no teachers: Inside a Bothell school run by student vote
An Everett Herald article written in 2024 about The Clearwater School.
September 2026 Podcast interview with staff member Bryer Newlin: https://www.atpeaceparents.com/pod180
Related Topics
Articles about the Sudbury Model
The Value of Serious Play
In this thought-provoking article reprinted from Educational Technology Magazine, the authors propose that play is “a suitable goal for those situations requiring children or adults to engage in creative higher-order thinking coupled with intense personal commitment and involvement.”
Ten Signs that You Need to Find a Different Kind of Education for Your Child
Jerry Mintz of AERO–The Alternative Education Resource Organization on cues from your child’s behavior and emotions that indicate a bad fit with the school environment.
Let’s Not Gaslight Kids: Age and Power in SDE
Haley Tilt and the Philly Free School talk about what equality between adults and children really looks like in Sudbury schools.
You can't do Sudbury at home
Cassi Clausen from The Open School answers the question "Why pay tuition to have your child do what they can just do at home?" by discussing what makes Sudbury unique.
Sudbury Valley School
Essays on a wide variety of topics, including life at Sudbury Valley, alumni, and underlying ideas.
OK, So You’re Sort of Like …
Romey Pittman, co-founder of Fairhaven School, contrasts the Sudbury model with other models of alternative education.
Education: Class Dismissed
Hara Estroff Romano’s in-depth portrait of Sudbury Valley School in Psychology Today.