Sunset Sudbury School is a K-12 school located in Broward County, Florida. Sunset Sudbury is a non-profit and private establishment that is operated democratically. In fact, all Sudbury schools are managed in a way that students and staff members have an equal say. The “curriculum” at Sunset Sudbury, and other Sudbury schools, is not anywhere near identical to what most individuals would associate with an educational syllabus. Instead, the learning style is based on typical human social interactions and a free choice of the student to study subjects that truly interest them.

The 2011 Sudbury Conference includes six different sessions over the course of three days. The sessions encompass topics from the business end of running a Sudbury school to what techniques work for the students and which don’t. There are several guest speakers with different levels of expertise in their field of study. The 2011 Sudbury Conference is an excellent way for many Sudbury model schools to get together and share their experiences. This invaluable learning opportunity could help Sunset Sudbury grow to an even more knowledgeable and prosperous school, not only for themselves, but for the wonderful children they are educating.

May 9, 2011 – Davie, Florida  — Imagine a school where students get to do whatever they want all day long.  Imagine those students later excelling in life and at the nation’s best universities.  Sunset Sudbury School, http://www.sunsetsudbury.org, based in Davie, Florida is proud to celebrate a successful first year.  The Broward County K-12 school was created based on the Sudbury School Model, a democratic school that takes student empowerment and child-directed learning to extremes.

Featured on The Today Show, MSNBC News, FoxNews and Sun-Sentinel for its radical approach to education, Sunset Sudbury School is truly a different paradigm for education. It is not just a slight alteration of what most people think of as a “school.” Indeed, it is much closer to what in recent years has come to be known as “un-schooling” than it is to any other kind of alternative school.

At Sunset Sudbury School, students from kindergarten through high school age explore the world freely, at their own pace and in their own unique ways. They learn to think for themselves and learn to unearth the knowledge they need from multiple sources, including Information Age tools. They develop the ability to make clear logical arguments and deal with complex ethical issues. Through self-initiated activities, they pick up the basics; as they direct their lives, they take responsibility for outcomes, set priorities, allocate resources, and work with others in a vibrant community of learners.

The fundamental premises of the school are simple: that all people are curious by nature; that the most efficient, long-lasting, and profound learning takes place when started and pursued by the learner; that all people are creative if they are allowed to develop their unique talents; that age-mixing among students promotes growth in all members of the group; and that freedom is essential to the development of personal responsibility.

In practice this means that students initiate all their own activities and create their own environment. The school provides a setting in which students are independent, are trusted, and are treated as responsible people; and a community in which students are exposed to the complexities of life in the framework of a participatory democracy.

Throughout its first year, Sunset Sudbury School has operated on a shoestring budget, relying on volunteer staff and donations from the community.  Nevertheless, Sunset Sudbury School enrollment grew by 30% this past year, and they have big plans for the future, with a Summer Camp, a site remodeling and other improvement projects scheduled for the coming months.

Despite criticism and naysayers who question whether the students are actually learning, the staff at Sunset Sudbury School can confidently say that the students have made huge accomplishments this past year. The list includes learning to problem solve on their own, expressing their interests and making decisions about student-initiated field trips and lesson plans, planning holiday parties and initiating art and community improvement projects – all without being told or forced to do so by an adult.

“We are so excited to achieve this important milestone in the growth of our school,” explains Kathy Williams, Co-Founder of the Sunset Sudbury School in Davie, FL.  “But we couldn’t have done it without the support and generous donations of our community, who believed in us and wanted to help us succeed.  We hope that more families will consider the Sudbury Model of education in helping their children become more independent. ”

The Broward County Sudbury School is conveniently located at 4200 NW 66 Avenue, Davie, FL 33024, near the Florida Turnpike, so it’s a perfect location for families from Broward and / or Dade County.

About Sunset Sudbury School:

Sunset Sudbury School, located in Davie, Florida, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, private school based on the 40-year old Sudbury model of education.  Sunset Sudbury School offers students ages 4 through 18 unlimited opportunities for self-directed learning in a supportive community environment.  Sunset Sudbury School is part of an international network of Sudbury Schools, all of which are based on Sudbury Valley School in Massachusetts, http://www.sudval.org.   The concepts Freedom, Trust and Responsibility are at the heart of the Sudbury model.  Sudbury Schools are run democratically ensuring that students have the freedom to direct their own education. Sudbury graduates move into their adult lives as self-confident, articulate, resourceful and motivated individuals.

The Sunset Sudbury School is open from 8 am to 3:30 pm, with after-school care available upon request.  Sunset Sudbury School follows the same school calendar as Broward County Schools.

Visit Sunset Sudbury School online at http://www.SunsetSudbury.org, or follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SunsetSudbury) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/SunsetSudbury) for more details about our unique alternative school in Broward County.

Media Inquiries:
Kathy Williams
Co-Founder
Sunset Sudbury School
Kathy@sunsetsudbury.org
Phone: 954-404-7785

Towards the end of her very busy day at Sunset Sudbury, she decided that the art room needed cleaning. With a broom in hand, she recruited three students to help her. She gently directed and coordinated their efforts. When the job was complete, Suzy decided that students needed reminders to keep the art room clean. Again she recruited student to make signs and post them around the room.

“How lucky we would be to have her as a student,” I later told her mother. She agreed that Suzy was very bright, but talked too much in class. The teachers at her public school (which is “in a very good school district in South Florida”) recommended that she be tested for ADHD. Suzy’s mom was genuinely concerned. My heart sank. I looked at her straight in the eye and said, “There is nothing wrong with Suzy. Don’t let them tell you that there is anything wrong with her and don’t let them tell her that there is anything wrong with her. It is more likely that there is something wrong with that school.” Suzy’s mom said thank you and broke down crying. I hope she got it.

For a different perspective on ADHD, see Peter Gray’s blog ADHD and School: The Problem of Assessing Normalcy in an Abnormal Environment and Sir Ken Robinson’s talk about Changing Education Paradigms (See Video Below).

April 4, 2011 – Davie, Florida  (PRW) — Sunset Sudbury School, http://www.sunsetsudbury.org, is proud to announce “A Taste of Sudbury”, the school’s inaugural Summer Camp Program, which will be held from June 13th to August 12th, 2011.  A Taste of Sudbury is a unique opportunity for children ages 5-13 to experience the freedom and challenges of life at Sunset Sudbury School during the Summer.  During the nine week Summer Camp, parents and students can see first-hand the unlimited opportunities for self-directed learning in a supportive community environment.

Unlike traditional summer camp programs that have a rigid structure and schedule, Sunset Sudbury School encourages campers to democratically determine the camp activities.  The campers cast their votes to select the field trips of the week.  For example, pizza party, movies, skating, museums, fire station tour, bowling, beach, swimming, nature tours, anything and everything, limited only by their imagination and interests.

Campers will have fun, explore and enjoy activities that they design with their friends in a playful community environment.    There will be two options for The Sunset Sudbury School Summer Camp.  Parents can choose from 9 am to 3:30 pm, Monday-Friday, for a cost of $150 per week, or Monday-Friday from 8 am to 6 pm for $175 per week.  Enroll your child in the Sunset Sudbury School Summer Camp program before May 13th and receive a 10% discount.  With its “Play More, Save More” program, the school is also offering multi-session and sibling discounts, as well.

“We are so excited to welcome new families to experience A Taste of Sudbury with this 9-week summer camp,” explains Kathy Williams, Co-Founder of the Sunset Sudbury School in Davie, FL.  “If you’re searching for a fun and exciting place that gives your child a chance to grow and discover who they are in a dynamic and supportive community environment give A Taste of Sudbury a try!”

The Broward County Sudbury School is conveniently located at 4200 NW 66 Avenue, Davie, FL 33024, near the Florida Turnpike, so it’s a perfect location for families from Broward and / or Dade County.

About Sunset Sudbury School:

Sunset Sudbury School, located in Davie, Florida, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, private school based on the 40-year old Sudbury model of education.  Sunset Sudbury School offers students ages 4 through 18 unlimited opportunities for self-directed learning in a supportive community environment.  Sunset Sudbury School is part of an international network of Sudbury Schools, all of which are based on Sudbury Valley School in Massachusetts, http://www.sudval.org.   The concepts Freedom, Trust and Responsibility are at the heart of the Sudbury model.  Sudbury Schools are run democratically ensuring that students have the freedom to direct their own education. Sudbury graduates move into their adult lives as self-confident, articulate, resourceful and motivated individuals.

The Sunset Sudbury School is open from 8 am to 3:30 pm, with after-school care available upon request.  Sunset Sudbury School follows the same school calendar as Broward County Schools.

Visit Sunset Sudbury School online at http://www.SunsetSudbury.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more details about our unique alternative school in Broward County.

Media Inquiries:
Kathy Williams
Co-Founder
Sunset Sudbury School
Kathy@sunsetsudbury.org
Phone: 954-404-7785

Sunset Sudbury School — Cool In School

• The Miami Herald

• NBCMiami.com

• Natural Awakenings Magazine… an announcement about our school is on page 15 and a really good article on Democratic Schooling is on page 28.

• And watch for us on Channel 6 (NBC) news on Friday night!

We’re almost set for the first day of school on August 23rd. You are invited to our upcoming Open House on Saturday, August 14 from 3 to 5pm. Please help us spread the word.

Here are several ways to stay in touch and up to date with what’s happening at Sunset Sudbury School.

We look forward to seeing you and your families in the near future.

First pipes are in!!

In this process, we’ve also gotten to know the government officials at the city and county levels pretty well. Yesterday when I visited the building department for our plumbing permit, one of the people who works there stopped mid-sentence with another customer and called out across the room, “where is he?” I answered “who?”, to which she replied…”your son, where is he?”

…A sure sign that my seven year-old son and I are spending too much time in government offices! — Idelma

Who knew bathroom pipes would be so exciting?

Remember that all donations are tax-deductible. We would be happy to provide you with documentation for your donation of  anything on this list. You can send e-mail to info@sunsetsudbury.org or call 954-404-7785 to make donation arrangements. Thank you so much for your support!

Computers

• Laptops (Minimum Windows XP / MacOSX)

Furnishings

• Credenza 6-8 ft long x 2 ft wide
• Ottoman or bench  3’ x 3’
• Large round ottoman (leather of vinyl)
• Couch – up to 8 ft (vinyl or leather)
• Bean bags (leather or vinyl)
• Outdoor picnic table

Rugs

• Rugs (all shapes and sizes)
• Outdoor and indoor rubber-backed entry mats

Small Appliances

• Toaster oven
• Vacuum cleaners (3)

Tables

• Large dining room table up to 8.5’ long  x 3’ wide
• 2 tables – 6ft long x 2 feet (no wider than 3 feet)
• Various sizes – rectangular or square tables for our art room

Seating

• Benches up to 8 feet long
• Folding chairs (20)
• Leather or vinyl side chairs (2)
• Stools / chairs for our art room
• 5 wheeled office chairs

Shelving

• Shelving all types and sizes (free standing or wall mounted)
• stackable shelving (metal wire or plastic) 4.5 ft w x 2 ft deep

Other

• Garbage Cans w/ lid
• Paint (interior and exterior wall paint)
• Flooring – Wood/bamboo/cork (650 sq ft)
• Step ladder
• Lockers
• Cork / dry-erase boards
• Coat hooks – wall mounted
• Throw pillows
• Shoe cubbies
• Games  - (Board games, video games, Wii games)
• Books  - (middle school & high school)
• Toys – (Legos, other logic / building games) for ages 10 and above
• Art & crafts supplies – any and all
• Gift certificates for Office Depot, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, Publix, Whole Foods, etc.

Thank you!

Our campaign is closed!

We are thrilled to announce that we have found a wonderful place to serve as the home for Sunset Sudbury School! Please help us bring this much needed school option to families in this area by donating whatever you can.

Our school offers a unique environment where kids are free to be themselves and find their passions.

Use your debit or credit card to donate… by clicking the orange ChipIn! button on the right sidebar.

If you prefer to donate by check, you can mail it to…
Sunset Sudbury School
PO Box 290944
Davie, FL 33329-0944

You can help us raise the money we need to install a new bathroom and fire alarm system required for us to open our doors this August. Donate what you can and then help us spread the word to others in your circle. Encourage them to ‘chip in’ to this very important cause.

Sunset Sudbury School is a non-profit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible. We appreciate your help!

Our new building, located at 4200 N 66th Avenue in Davie, features… 2,400 square feet of spacious and beautifully remodeled indoor space, a grassy outdoor space for playing tag, exploring, or picnicking, and a garden filled with native and exotic plants for having fun and learning in nature.