Video Guide

New Video – Just Released!

We are thrilled to share our new video of Zena Democratic School, created by All of Us Films in partnership with our students and staff. It helps capture the extraordinary journeys our students take as they direct their own learning and create community together.

Please share this widely on social media and send it to your family, friends, and neighbors. And of course, tell us what you think!

Below are some videos that talk about and explain Zena Democratic School. During the 2023-2024 School Year Hudson Valley Sudbury School (HVSS) became Zena Democratic School (ZDS). All references to HVSS in articles, social media posts, blogs, etc., should be considered to refer to the history of ZDS!

New Video – Just Released!

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.