Arts Ideas Sudbury School is based on a philosophy of education first pioneered by the Sudbury Valley School in 1968 and now operating in more than 60 schools worldwide.
Arts & Ideas Sudbury School is a democratic self- directed education model for ages 5 to 18.
We believe that children are the most motivated learners around and that learning happens as a glorious by product of being human.
Learning happens in an environment that is challenging, supportive and attuned to the idiosyncratic leaps and meanders of authentic exploration.
Facts, dates, formulas and skills stick when there is interest and ownership.
We recognize a wide variety of paths to knowing and learning.
Our core principles are: trust, autonomy, justice, and learning through play.
Arts & Ideas spent a year at a Mt. Washington location at which time this Sun article was published. The school has since bought its own building in NE Baltimore. ...more hide
We offer 9 to 12 month payment plans. There is an additional Parent Equity Program that is a required financial obligation of the school. Ask about our Self Assessed Model.
Start by sending us an email inquiry. The admissions process
requires each family to research the Sudbury model of education-
which we will reply to your initial email with. Watching our Open
House video is strongly encouraged. Admissions will then schedule
an Interview with your whole family. The admissions clerks will
take you on a tour during the school day and answer each family's
specific questions by going into depth about how the school works.
After the interview, a student is required to do a full Visiting
Week ($125) before enrolling.
Arts & Ideas Sudbury School is a unique educational program based
on the Sudbury model which has had successfull outcomes for
children in the U.S. for over 50 years. A defining feature of
the school is the responsibility and freedom afforded to children
who are put in charge of their education. The school community is
resource-rich, challenging and supportive. The school simply
sees children as human beings worthy of the rights and autonomy
given to adults. To enroll, children must be able to keep
themselves and others safe, participate in our democratic
structures, and willingly join in the A&I community as a
contributing member.
Our family loves being part of the A&I community. Our son flourishes in the democratic school environment, building confidence and pursuing his academic and social interests. We researched schools before he started school, and enrolled him at A&I from the start. Here, he has the space to be curious and try new things, interact with new people and move about freely as his interest is sparked.
- Posted by Parent - Steiner-Bloyer family
511/8/2021
We moved to Maryland so all four of our children could attend Arts & Ideas. We wanted a place for them to thrive through democracy, pursuing their interests, having unlimited time outdoors, and the privilege of experiencing a truly diverse and open community. We found this at A&I. Our oldest graduated last year and will enter college with a secure sense of herself. All four of our children know how to advocate for themselves, create boundaries, work as a team, and possess deep, empathic listening skills, take responsibility, and believe in individual and collective accountability. Through the real-life experiences that A&I provides, our children have gained valuable and enduring life skills. Our children are prepared for the real world and we know A&I has been a major factor in our children`s emotional, cultural, academic, and social growth.
- Posted by Parent - Rees Family
511/8/2021
Five-star school! My children have been going to Art's and Ideas Sudbury School since they were 5 years old. I am happy that the school provides freedom, space to allow children to be independent and include structure. The staff/teachers are top-notch!
- Posted by Parent - Kara
56/21/2021
My daughter attended Arts and Ideas during the 20-21 school year and the experience was invaluable. The staff has done an amazing job building a community of curious, compassionate and capable students. She really enjoyed her time there and we're glad she was able to experience life from the Sudbury perspective.
- Posted by Parent - Ava'sMom
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