“School was getting in the way of what I really want to do in life.”

“I’m more respectful and friendly. I’m confident in what I do. I have a better relationship with my parents because I’m not overwhelmed and freaking out over school work.”

“I can have my own timetable for life. It’s refreshing to realize that my future doesn’t have to be mapped out by the status quo.”

“I’ve changed from a person who feels their life is not in their control to a person who knows that they are in charge of their life, and anything I want to happen. I can make happen.”

“I was worried that I wouldn’t learn anything in such an unstructured environment. But I soon learned that being ‘scholarly’ didn’t have anything to do with sitting in a desk and doing what I’m told. In fact, I’ve read so much more since I started Sudbury than I would in a public school.”

“Everyone is really polite and you can eat whenever you want and you don’t need to ask to go to the bathroom.”

“I am learning to be more honest with myself about what I want and telling people what I want and need. I am learning respect for my wants and needs. I am learning that they are valid.”

“I am learning the qualities that are most important to me: respect, trust, resilience, courage, the ability to adapt, and persistence.”

“My favorite part about coming to Sudbury is that everyone here is so accepting, and relationships between people aren’t superficial.”

“I like Sudbury because the school isn’t about grades and passing tests. The Sudbury philosophy reflects a genuine love and respect of kids — their passion, vitality and unlimited potential.”

“I’ve discovered myself, and I’ve learned to seize the day rather than shrink from it.”

“There is so little stress in my life now. I’ve been so much happier being free and I’ve been much more open to learning.”

“You learn what you need to know in a way that doesn’t stress you out.”

“There are no bullies here…If there is a problem, the JC will deal with it in a peaceful way.”

“Here they don’t judge you by your past, the way you dress, your style of music or your group of friends. If I had gone back to regular school, I would probably have dropped out by now. I found Sudbury in the nick of time.”