Rights and Responsibilities
We acknowledge that there can’t be a complete and total democracy in a school of children and adults, because there is an inherent power differential between those groups. Our mission is to enfranchise young people, enshrine their rights and responsibilities, and uphold our roles as educators and mentors.
That’s why we enumerate the rights and responsibilities that are separate, and which are shared, between staff and students. Adults generally refrain from interfering, but may offer their advice and perspective when it’s requested. Likewise, young people don’t have control in the adult’s realm– but their advice and perspective is sought and valued.
Most matters of substance, though, fall in the democratic realm– the shared realm of rights and responsibilities. These issues are discussed and decided upon by the school during our weekly meetings. The primary responsibility of all school members is to show up at the weekly School Meeting– not necessarily to share, vote, or voice an opinion, but to show up.
Our school depends on the investment of every member. We believe that by having a clear-eyed vision of the roles of children and adults in the community, we distinguish ourselves from traditional democratic schools, and fulfill the potential of creating a caring, collaborative, dynamic, transparent community.