by Jim Rietmulder | Apr 14, 2023 | Ideas, Public policy
I want children in school to find happiness. Not momentary fireworks, but the saturating joy of purpose and meaning in life. Not someday, but now, as children. I’ve noticed that kids who live fulfilling lives as kids tend to build fulfilling lives as adults. I think...
by Jim Rietmulder | Apr 13, 2021 | Ideas, Public policy
I’m disappointed by America’s dysfunctional politics. And I bet you are, too. What really gets to me is the hyper-polarization and aggressive non-cooperation. I want to yell “Grow up, America!” — but that might be insulting to the kids I work with. For me it’s...
by Beth Stone | Dec 23, 2020 | Parenting, Public policy
School wasn’t so great before COVID, either…
by Jim Rietmulder | Feb 8, 2018 | Ideas, Play, Public policy
Last week I traveled to Philadelphia to hear a talk by research psychologist Peter Gray, founder of the Alliance for Self-Directed Education. Dr Gray spoke at Philly Free School, which is, like The Circle School, a self-directed democratic school. Dr Gray starts from...
by Jim Rietmulder | Aug 10, 2015 | Daily life, Public policy
Today The Circle School releases a study of its graduates, casting the school in a very favorable light. Our graduates go to college at high rates: 84% of those who were here for 4 years of high school, and 91% of our “lifers.” Nationwide the rate among...
by Jim Rietmulder | Apr 8, 2015 | Ideas, Public policy
After 30 years of answering questions about The Circle School, new ones don’t come along very often. Last night I answered a new one. At Millersville University’s Alternative Education Forum, I delivered the keynote address. The event organizer, Dr. Scott...