Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of sending my child to Blue Ridge Sudbury School? Some families may be concerned that if they spend money on education during the primary and secondary education years that they will have less money available for their child's college education. Blue Ridge Sudbury School believes that by investing the time and money in a Sudbury education now, your child will acquire the skills necessary to not only assume responsibility for figuring out what they want to do after graduation, but be able to decide on the most advantageous path necessary for her to get where she wants to go. Compared to other private schools, Blue Ridge Sudbury School is very affordable. Tuition.
How is my child going to learn?
At Blue Ridge Sudbury School learning occurs in many diverse, dynamic, and challenging ways. At times your child may choose more traditional methods, namely staff directed classes or studying from a text book. Your child may also find others to help him learn something new. One way for a child to master a subject is to teach someone with less knowledge than himself. Your child may choose the method that works the best for him: classes with staff, teaching others, being taught by friends, exploration and investigation, internship with an expert, or any combination he wants.
For additional information, see article How Kids Learn …and Learn …and Learn.
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What will my child learn?
There are no limitations as to what or how your child learns at Blue Ridge Sudbury School. However, we are clear on a multitude of things that your child will acquire while attending.
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What classes are offered?
The staff is equipped to teach all levels of elementary and high school subjects. Because of our commitment to Sudbury education, we don't, however, offer any classes unless your child shows real interest and responsibility in pursuing a formal class subject.
For additional information, see articles Three Chapters from Free At Last and Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Parents, Children, and Students.
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How will my child get resources?
Blue Ridge Sudbury School teaches your child to be a master at pursuing what is of interest to herself. Your child is encouraged to utilize any and all resources necessary to get what she needs. Depending on what she wants to learn, your child may use staff, students, books, the Internet, the community, or trial and error.
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With no set structure, will my child be okay?
Yes, because structure exists and your child will learn it quickly. Structure is reflected in the responsibility given to your child to spend his day according to his own interests and needs while adhering to and supporting the school rules and participating in committees and school meetings.
For additional information, see article My Kids Need Structure.
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Will my child be able to get into college without grades and test scores?
If your child has a strong interest in going to
college and is willing to be responsible for the
admissions process, your child will make it happen. A
study of Sudbury Valley School alumnus found the
following: "everyone one of the people in our survey
who was interested in going to college was able to do
so… there were almost as many ways to get into
college as there were people who mentioned it. Most do
it the standard way—they take the SAT's, they write
applications, and they have interviews if they can.
One person, who went to college of art, said, 'I
refused to submit SAT scores, although they were high,
because I wanted to get in just on the merit of my
portfolio and my writing, which I did…" (Taken from
The Pursuit of Happiness: Lives of Sudbury Valley
Alumni, Sudbury Valley School Press, 2005)
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What if my child wants to play video games all day?
In the three years we have operated, we have never seen a student play video games all day. Neither have we seen a student watch movies all day. Other students and activities force your child to question the use of his time.
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How many students do you have?
For the 2006-2007 school year, we will enroll up to 20 families.
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Does Blue Ridge Sudbury School have any affiliation with a particular religious group?
No. Your child brings her belief systems to the school and is allowed to explore them among a diverse population. Though we are not affiliated with any one religion or philosophical belief, your child is free to explore and learn about her interests, provided it does not infringe on the basic rights of others.
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How will my child fare in public school should he choose to return?
In our short history, we have had students return to more traditional schools after a year or more at Blue Ridge Sudbury School. Parents of these students have commented on several occasions how well their children are doing and how quickly they have adjusted to the change in environment.
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