Sukie

This is Sukie. We’ve been waiting for her to enroll ever since she was first carried onto our campus in her Papa’s arms 6 years ago. And boy was it worth the wait. Sukie is the definition of sweet. Like a summer strawberry. But not one of those strawberries that jumps out at you, in your face, trying to show off how big it is, how red, or how perfectly shaped. No, Sukie is the shy strawberry hiding in the shade, soaking in the afternoon sun when it comes around to the right angle. The one you must search for: small, cute, and perfectly ripe, the one you remember because of quality rather than mere appearance.

Despite being one of our youngest students Sukie has navigated our sometimes processy processes like a champ. She is a director of the Art Coop, the Kitchen Coop, and the Theater Coop, and she has organized a private weekly violin lesson. If you think that’s an accomplishment (it is) she’s also the youngest Tier 3 Eater, which means she was approved by School Meeting to eat anywhere in the building; the next certified student is double her age. Go Sukie!

At school you will often find Sukie in the Art Room drawing scenes that include flowers, suns, and hearts or creating a card for her mama to remind her how much she loves her. Her hand is strong from use of the shaped hole punchers and her use of color is on point. Lately when not drawing she is either playing with LOL Surprise Dolls, being read to, having her hair styled by a big kid, playing outside, or observing the way her community members are acting and interacting.

Sukie can tell you anything you want to know about Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, or ballet (yes she dances and may even end up in her company’s Nutcracker Suite performance next year when she’s in Ballet 1 ). But she lights up the most when talking about her “clown” of a younger brother who she clearly adores.

We adore you Sukie, like you adore your bro. We adore your wool leggings and striped sweaters, your art work, your stories, your shy yet bold demeanor, and the way you quietly sidle up and look up at us with your big blue eyes. We can’t wait to see what you choose to do and to watch you bloom into the flowers you so beautifully draw.

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.