VallyWally

This is VallyWally, but don’t let the baby name fool you: kid don’t play. VallyWally is a (courteously) assertive young adult (note I consciously chose that term over “teenager”) who works three jobs, has a “mind that goes 100 mph” (their own words) and knows how to get what they want, even (especially) when it takes a lot of tedious work. On their own volition, they led the way in navigating the school’s enrollment and financial aid processes for themselves not once but twice (there was a false start), they convinced our School Meeting to allow them to graduate early, and they are heading off on a Diploma Adventure which they are organizing (with others) to New Orleans next month, and when they get back they’re heading straight back to visit a Sudbury School in Ibiza! I am realizing I should start calling them, “Mx. VallyWally,” because I could end up working for them by the time they’re 19; any of us could actually.

At school VallyWally is busy. They’re a part of the Theater Cooperative’s big spring production, and they’re also an active member of both the Kitchen and the Art Cooperatives. Lately they’ve also been putting in a lot of time planning and fundraising for that New Orleans trip, which by the way was their idea. VallWally told me they’re curious about NO and eager to learn because of its unique cultural history, especially its rich legacy of voodoo. I admit I hope they don’t learn too much haha. VallyWally’s biggest passion is her relationships; she gives her friends the world, lucky people.

VallyWally says our school suits them fine. They appreciate “having control over my time and not having to comply with other people’s standards and expectations…I appreciate that people here are accepted and appreciated for who they are.” They also said, “for anyone who comes to the school, having a strong mindset of knowing what they want is great, but they also have the liberty to figure that out in case they don’t. Everyone has a chance here, it’s not designed for a certain type of person,” and last but not least, my favorite, “you don’t just learn here, you grow.” VW, we are sincerely so grateful to learn and grow w you; thank you for being here

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.