Democracy

Sudbury schools are run by a participatory democracy. Each student and each staff has equal representation and an equal vote in the weekly School Meeting. This meeting makes all of the day-to-day decisions necessary to run the school. It is chaired by a student who has been elected by the school and is run like a town hall meeting. All the policies and procedures of the school, including rules of behavior, use of resources and staff hiring are determined by debate and vote at the School Meeting. There is no principal, no higher authority, and no veto power.

The school's laws and rules are upheld by the Judicial Committee or JC.  This body consists of 3 students, a staff member and 1 or 2 elected clerks. Each age group is represented. The JC resolves issues through investigation, charges, and sentences. There are thorough reports, motions, and pleas. Students have responsibility to this body through membership, testimony, and honesty.