Ninejie

This is Ninejie, a Hudson Valley Sudbury School veteran with a heart as deep, wide, and wise as the Hudson River. She cares about people, directly and sincerely. Years ago when a student was in serious trouble outside school, Ninejie was the friend brave enough to help. And this year when a student was hesitant about re-joining the community, Ninejie was the friend compassionate enough to reach out. Those stories are the bookends; in-between Ninejie has consistently taken care of people – especially vulnerable people – in our community. It means extra when a young person does this kind of work (rather than an adult); to be seen, listened to, and understood by a peer is often the most encouraging, healing, and needed experience.

Ninejie especially cares for the youngest among us 🙂 It can be hard being 5 or 6 here, transitioning from the secondary womb of toddlerhood into full-blown childhood, so Ninejie keeps an eye out, and she’s always up for playing or reading. Last year she also did an internship at a wonderful local pre-school called Livingston Street. She’s planning on making a career in early childhood ed (lucky kids!)

Ninejie says she “likes the freedom [of HVSS],” because it’s effective for learning: “I like to be able to go with my own rhythm and focus on what I want when I want to. I like switching subjects or activities every 20 minutes or so, and take breaks when I need to. That makes it easier for me to learn and absorb. I give myself time and space…People assume that not a lot goes on here, and I even thought so myself for a full year after I started coming(!) Sometimes it looks like that on the surface. But there’s really a lot going on if you know how to see it. And another thing I really value is that if you mess up here, it’s not “game over” – you can always fix your mistake, and learn from it.”

Ninejie also just got her first job(!) at an awesome care in Woodstock called Oriole 9, and she’s saving up to go live with her cousin in the Netherlands after she graduates this spring. Ninejie, we’re so happy you’re here with us, and we’re so so grateful for the way you look after the community, and all the precious people in your life.

Parents’ experience of the school is a crucial factor in determining their childrens’ experience of the school. Children of parents who work hard to understand our philosophy, communicate with staff, attend events, and connect with the community usually get the most out of our program.

At Zena Democratic School, rule infractions and interpersonal conflicts are resolved using sophisticated restorative justice tools.

Age-mixing is one of the most potent developmental experiences at Zena Democratic School.

Each student aged 14+ is automatically enrolled in our High School Advisor Program;

Screens are allowed at school, with restrictions.

At Zena Democratic School, a Cooperative (coop) is a group of like-minded students and staff who organize around a common interest, like music, art, or sports.

At Zena Democratic School, the jobs of administration and maintenance are divided into roles called Clerkships;

Every student and staff at Zena Democratic School is assigned a cleaning job by the Physical Plant Clerk.

Students may receive a diploma if they elect to undergo our internal diploma process.

Zena Democratic School is located on a parcel of 67 wooded acres in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains in the Hudson Valley region of New York State.

Zena Democratic School is a direct democracy; each student and member of the staff has an equal vote in managing all aspects of the school’s operation.