A sampling of the key elements of the Philly Free School’s education model are discussed below. Watch video clips in which founders, staff members, parents, and students share their thoughts on these topics.
Sudbury Valley School
This video is a glimpse into the life of the Sudbury Valley School in Massachusetts, on whose educational model the Philly Free School is based. Enter a world of young people who are exuberant about their lives, and are fully in control of their education. We hope you will enjoy their spirit, their focus, and above all their intensity in pursuing their passions.
The Judicial Committee enforces the rules at PFS.
Click the picture to listen to an audio story of JC in action
Parents on the Education Edge
Kathy Williams, co-founder of the Sunset Sudbury School, discusses going outside the mainstream to ensure the best education for one’s children.
Exposure
Quavin Johnson, parent of a PFS student, explains how she answers the inevitable “exposure” question with regard to Sudbury education.
Goal of education
Richard Schiffrin, parent of an alumnus of a Sudbury model school, asks parents to consider what their goals are for the education of their children.
Parent- Child Communication
Michelle Loucas, co-founder of the Philadelphia Free School, talks about the importance of communication between parents and children at this school.
Sudbury Vs Homeschooling
Kathy Williams explains why she chose a Sudbury school for her previously homeschooled sons.
Age Mixing
Reb Loucas, co-founder of the Philadelphia Free School and former staff member, shares a secret ingredient of the learning at Sudbury schools.
Kids underestimated
Julia Magidson, interested student, discusses why students are capable of running the Philadelphia Free School.
Play prepares Kids for Life
Jason Magidson, parent of an interested student, talks about the value of play as preparation for the challenges faced in later life.
Freedom
Richard Schiffrin, parent of an alumnus of a Sudbury model school, discusses outcomes for students who experience educational freedom.
Problem Solving
Quavin Johnson, parent of a PFS student, discusses how Sudbury schools allow students to practice problem solving in ways that prepare them for their future.
Best Joshua
A parent discusses how a Sudbury School enabled her son to be the best he could be.
Colleges and employers
Michelle Loucas, co-founder of the Philadelphia Free School, discusses how graduates of PFS succeed in moving on to higher education and employment.
Judical Committee
Reb Loucas, co-founder of the Philadelphia Free School and former staff member, explains the school’s Judicial Committee.
Learning from failure
Julia Magidson, interested student, talks about failure as an important learning opportunity.
Kids who thrive here
Michelle Loucas, co-founder of the Philadelphia Free School, describes the kinds of students who succeed here.
Excited about PFS
Quavin Johnson, parent of a PFS student, shares why she is excited about this new educational option in Philadelphia.
