by Kiernan Green | Oct 6, 2026 | Daily life, Play, Stories
One of my favorite parts about working at The Circle School is the variety of activity during the days. Each day is something new, each day something different. For me, the experience is largely exciting and surprising — I always go into each day with a general plan...
by Jim Rietmulder | Sep 29, 2026 | Daily life, Ideas, Public policy
In conversation recently with colleagues, I was reminded how often we defend our schools in the logic of standard education – the very logic we don’t buy into. Spend time around self-directed democratic schools and you’ll hear certain claims again and again: “Children...
by ChatGPT | Sep 28, 2025 | Daily life, Ideas, Public policy
Hi. My name is ChatGPT. Sometimes Jim calls me “Bob”—as in “Bob helped me edit an essay.“ Today, though, Jim helped me write this blog post—enjoying the irony, if i know Jim—and i do, having worked with him hundreds of times. BTW, Jim insists that when i use the...
by Jim Rietmulder | Jun 19, 2025 | Daily life, Ideas, Parenting, Public policy, Stories
Adapted from a speech on June 7, 2025 Welcome, graduates. Warm wishes to each of you in this milestone moment. And welcome, all! Most of you are here today to celebrate the graduation of someone you love – a child, a relative, a friend. Some of you already know The...
by Jim Rietmulder | May 3, 2025 | Daily life, Ideas, Public policy
Left and right don’t agree on much, but on narcissism it’s unanimous: bad for kids, schools, and politics. Commentators of all stripes say society is more self-obsessed and entitled than ever. People care too much about status and getting attention. Social media makes...
by Jim Rietmulder | Mar 21, 2025 | Daily life, Ideas, Parenting
or Ten Things That Matter More Than Grades Grades get way too much credit. Sure, they might tell you how well you memorized for a test, but they don’t measure your ability to manage your life, work with people, or find happiness. So, what actually matters? For...
