The Sudbury Valley School was founded in 1968 by a group of Massachusetts parents who felt that a child is a person, worthy of full respect as a human being. It was intended that a nurturing environment be created in which the children themselves chose what they wished to do and scheduled their time. Democracy was a cornerstone of the school's philosophy, and led to everyone at the school, without exception, having a voice in running the school. Accordingly, parent participation was built into the school structure. Put together in response to requests for background material on the school, this book is a collection of essays discussing various aspects of the school's educational philosophy and vignettes illustrating its atmosphere. The 29 essays address issues such as back to basics, how and what children learn at Sudbury, what children do not learn at Sudbury, learning to trust oneself, reverence for life, the art of doing nothing, mixed-age grouping, how the school is governed, school meetings, myths about democracy, teaching justice through experience, discipline, the nature of sports at Sudbury, and being true to oneself. (TD)