Recommended Reading

The Circle School is part of an international movement of democratic schools with a rich and ever-evolving body of literature.

Resources to view online or read in print. Dig deeper into democratic schooling theory and practice, and related ideas.

In print

When Kids Rule the School

by Circle School
co-founder & staff person
Jim Rietmulder

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen... And Listen So Kids Will Talk

by Adele Faber
& Elaine Mazlish

Online and download

Practicing Life: A Circle School Sampler

Introducing The Circle School in a magazine-style publication with hundreds of photos, covering Basics, Stories, Ideas, Practice, and Photo Features. To view online, click here or on the image. To download as a PDF, click here. Available in print, too.

What Are Teachers Good For?

Three things that teachers are good for, and three things they’re not. By Aaron Browder, staff member at The Open School in California.

Wanted: A Few Good Females

A discussion of why it’s important to consider self-directed democratic schooling for our daughters. By former Philly Free School staff member (and current Circle School parent) Michelle Loucas.