by Jim Rietmulder | Aug 27, 2021 | Ideas
At first glance, you might get the wrong idea from the title of my book, When Kids Rule the School. You might think kids are in charge in some sort of absolute way. It’s not that simple. The publishers didn’t like my working title: “Kids Practicing...
by Jim Rietmulder | Apr 13, 2021 | Ideas, Public policy
I’m disappointed by America’s dysfunctional politics. And I bet you are, too. What really gets to me is the hyper-polarization and aggressive non-cooperation. I want to yell “Grow up, America!” — but that might be insulting to the kids I work with. For me it’s...
by Beth Stone | May 15, 2019 | Ideas, Stories
Even now, after 35 years as a founding staff member, I half dread being asked by a newcomer to explain The Circle School. It could be a neighbor, the friend of a friend, or recently my dental hygienist just before she asked me to open wide. My anxiety arises not from...
by Jim Rietmulder | Feb 8, 2018 | Ideas, Play, Public policy
Last week I traveled to Philadelphia to hear a talk by research psychologist Peter Gray, founder of the Alliance for Self-Directed Education. Dr Gray spoke at Philly Free School, which is, like The Circle School, a self-directed democratic school. Dr Gray starts from...
by Jim Rietmulder | Apr 8, 2015 | Ideas, Public policy
After 30 years of answering questions about The Circle School, new ones don’t come along very often. Last night I answered a new one. At Millersville University’s Alternative Education Forum, I delivered the keynote address. The event organizer, Dr. Scott...
by Jim Rietmulder | May 28, 2014 | Ideas, Parenting, Public policy
Matt likes music that sounds to me like a car crash. Recently I found solace in the softer sounds of Disney’s Frozen, sung and played (endlessly) by younger friends. 18-year-old Matt greets me with a big smile and genuine warmth; ready to engage, caring about...
