The Jamaica Plain Free School would be built on the principles of democratic education and the free schools movement, founded in 1921 by A.S. Neill, founder of the Summerhill School in Leiston, England.

According to the Alternative Education Resource Organization, "democratic schools generally share most or all of the following characteristics, although there is no exact definition or requirement for a democratic school:
* shared decision-making among the students and staff
* a learner-centered approach in which students choose their daily activities
* equality among staff and students
* the community as an extension of the classroom

I am currently looking for parents and students interested in building such a school in Jamaica Plain that would take advantage of all the great resources available in our neighborhood, city, and surrounding areas. Students would collaboratively decide on learning activities while teachers at the school would serve largely as mentors and guides for the students.

Once freed from the confines of the traditional educational system, our only limit is our imagination. Some possible student activities include:
* trips to art museums, such as the MFA, ICA, and Gardner Museum (to name a few)
* apprenticeships with local artists and entrepreneurs,
* visits to history museums and historical sites,
* attending local theater productions and films festivals,
* conducting oral history projects,
* writing stories and poetry in the Arnold Arboretum and Forest Hills Cemetery,
* producing documentary films,
* running civic action campaigns,
* volunteering at youth and community organizations,
* attending and speaking at City Council meetings and other public hearings,
* attending public forums at universities, Copley Library, the JFK Library, and the
Old South Meeting House,
* growing vegetables in a community garden, and
* participating in community service projects.

I am currently looking for parents and students in Jamaica Plain and surrounding communities who are interested in exploring this exciting education alternative. If you are interested, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Roy Karp at karp@civicedproject.org.