Arts & Ideas Sudbury School
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.
Quick Stats (2022)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Students: 65 students
- Yearly Tuition: $7,128
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
School News
- Baltimore Sun article by Erica Green - 08/07/2014Arts & 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
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
2008
Student Body
Total Students
65 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
25%
State avg.: 37%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
40%
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
(Freedom of Self Expression)
(Freedom of Self Expression)
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
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.
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Ashley Jackson
Admissions Associate
James Taylor
School Notes
- 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.
Profile last updated: 11/03/2021
School Reviews
5 11/17/2021
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.
5 11/8/2021
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.
5 11/8/2021
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!
5 6/21/2021
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.
Endorse Arts & Ideas Sudbury School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Nearby Homes for Sale
-
5829 BENTON HEIGHTS AVE
BALTIMORE, MD$160,000- 2 Beds | 2.5 Baths
- (0.94 miles from school)
-
4215 COTTMAN AVE
BALTIMORE, MD$193,000- 3 Beds | 2 Baths
- (1.01 miles from school)
-
6018 EURITH AVE
BALTIMORE, MD$259,900- 3 Beds | 2 Baths
- (1.63 miles from school)
-
1731 N BOND ST
BALTIMORE, MD$159,000- 2 Beds | 2 Baths
- (2.99 miles from school)
Recent Articles

5 Ways To Protect Your Child From Bullying
Bullying lurks everywhere. Learn the warning signs and how to protect your child.

Questions! Questions! Questions!
If you are beginning to think about sending your child to private school, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some answers to your more common questions.

May 25, 2022
Marketing Your School: Welcoming New StudentsWhy is welcoming students so important? Because it makes new students and their families feel that they are part of the school community from Day 1. More about this valuable marketing tool here.