Sunset Sudbury School

🌊 Who says that school can't take place on the beach? 🏝

Our relationships play a big role in shaping who we are as individuals. One of the most valuable lessons in childhood is learning how to navigate and build strong connections with their peers. These connections can grow even stronger when in a supportive environment that allows kids to experiment through trial and error.

We are joyous to see our community of all ages today connect and strengthen their relationships with one another through the power of play 🌱 💪

☀️ That being said, we had some fun in the sun at Sunset Sudbury School!





At Sunset Sudbury school, students are free to use their childhood years to satisfy their natural thirst for knowledge, to explore the world, and to learn how to actively communicate with honesty. Students’ time and choice of activities are valued and are managed without intervention or coercion by others. Curriculum is not prescribed and all students are responsible for their own day, choosing the subject matter, the place, and the time for their pursuits. Students also determine whether to work on their own, with a small group or in a structured class setting.

“To unschool your child, you must first unschool yourself.” 🌿

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

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.

❌ ⏰ No time to read the full book? We recommend listening to this podcast or reading this article to prepare for the Book Club discussion.

The School Can’t Experience : #35 - Unschooling Ourselves with Esther Jones (46 minutes)
https://schoolcantexperience.buzzsprout.com/2447546/episodes/18001389-35-unschooling-ourselves-with-esther-jones

Things I Wish I Had Known - Esther Jones
https://estherjones.substack.com/p/things-i-wish-i-had-known

Want to know why we don't stress about whether kids will learn "enough" without classes? This new article on Sudbury International's blog explains it.

Do Kids Really Need to Learn All Those Subjects? Kids will be more than fine if they don't spend their whole childhoods training in academic subjects.

🎨 Grab some paints and get crafty with us!

At Sunset Sudbury School, students are given the time and space to fully absorb themselves into an activity and complete it from start to finish.

Through supporting their interests and passions, several important core life skills are developed and nurtured.

The ability to think creatively and independently, manage time in a way that matters to the individual, and approach the world with curiosity are traits we must foster in our youth now more than ever.

Learn more about Sudbury philosophy on our website (link in bio💫)

🛹 Whoosh! There's some new skaters in town :)








At Sunset Sudbury school, students are free to use their childhood years to satisfy their natural thirst for knowledge, to explore the world, and to learn how to actively communicate with honesty. Students’ time and choice of activities are valued and are managed without intervention or coercion by others. Curriculum is not prescribed and all students are responsible for their own day, choosing the subject matter, the place, and the time for their pursuits. Students also determine whether to work on their own, with a small group or in a structured class setting.

Here's what to expect 🤔 on your first day of Sunset Sudbury School🍎:

1. A welcoming and joyful community with some new faces 🌈

2. Endless play and adventure through cardboard, dolls, the great outdoors and more 🦋🤸‍♀️🎨

3. Uninterrupted conversation between all ages and sharing the stories of our lives 🗣🏞

Welcome to education based upon the principles of community, play and democracy ✨🌿

Sunset Sudbury School's practice of intentionally refraining from directing students seems like a counterintuitive way to do education. It's helpful to read articles like this one from time to time to remind ourselves why we do it this way.

The Art of Doing Nothing A classic essay by one of the original Sudbury founders about why adults need to hold back and allow children to direct their own learning.

💫🌱At Sunset Sudbury school, students are free to use their childhood years to satisfy their natural thirst for knowledge, to explore the world, and to learn how to actively communicate with honesty. Students’ time and choice of activities are valued and are managed without intervention or coercion by others. Curriculum is not prescribed and all students are responsible for their own day, choosing the subject matter, the place, and the time for their pursuits. Students also determine whether to work on their own, with a small group or in a structured class setting.🌿

🌿 Yippeee! Here is some spectacular art from our Sudbury students 🌻








At Sunset Sudbury school, students are free to use their childhood years to satisfy their natural thirst for knowledge, to explore the world, and to learn how to actively communicate with honesty. Students’ time and choice of activities are valued and are managed without intervention or coercion by others. Curriculum is not prescribed and all students are responsible for their own day, choosing the subject matter, the place, and the time for their pursuits. Students also determine whether to work on their own, with a small group or in a structured class setting.