At our democratic school you have space …
…to learn in freedom
Our school concept is unique. Young people from 2 to 22 years old are welcomed in our school to grow and develop, in liberty and equality, together with fellow students, staff and teachers.
We do not work with a preconceived curriculum. As a result, students take up their responsibility and are in charge of their own doings. Together with staff members and teachers they also fulfill all roles in the school that are normally only taken up by adults. In unison we create the form and content of our education. Intrinsic motivation is key.
…to explore
What do we want to give to our children? The opportunity to explore without boundaries. To play. To feel valued from the very first moment. To develop talents. To learn to live life and communicate freely. To ask questions and find answers. To learn out of curiosity. The opportunity to be happy. Not just to prepare for grown up life, but to educate yourself for what you need in your life right now.
Does regular education still suit a world where we have to shape our own lives? Do we have to keep on testing our kids to keep a check on their development in grades? Do our children get enough space to find their own way?
…to build
De Ruimte is one of the largest and oldest democratic schools in the Netherlands, and has the full support and assent of the authorities.
…to explore
What do we want to give to our children? The opportunity to explore without boundaries. To play. To feel valued from the very first moment. To develop talents. To learn to live life and communicate freely. To ask questions and find answers. To learn out of curiosity. The opportunity to be happy. Not just to prepare for grown up life, but to educate yourself for what you need in your life right now.
Does regular education still suit a world where we have to shape our own lives? Do we have to keep on testing our kids to keep a check on their development in grades? Do our children get enough space to find their own way?
…to build
De Ruimte is one of the largest and oldest democratic schools in the Netherlands, and has the full support and assent of the authorities.
the space to face the unknown
In a world in transition, it is important for children to learn to take personal responsibility for the consequences of their actions, in order to find a way to be happy. Imagine this world twenty years from now; what will it have in store for them? They will be living in a completely different society than their parents today. Applying for a job? Chances are that they will be creating their own work. And what preparation can we give them for that?
to get to know yourself
We try to prepare them by giving them all the space they need to discover who they are and how they relate to the world around them. Because every child is curious by nature and eager to learn. Democratic school De Ruimte gives every student the opportunity to become a self-assured human being, ready to enjoy his/her self-chosen future when they go into the world.
to do what is of vital importance to you
At our school we believe that every child wants to learn. It is in their nature and needs neither pressure nor persuasion. Going to school is great if you are not forced to do things you do not (yet) value, but if you get the space to learn whatever is of great importance in your life at this very moment. Learning by playing, for instance, or social learning. Learning to ask the proper questions to get you somewhere, because every child is full of curiosity, wants to be part of something, wants to have fun and be successful.
to inspire…
At our school children learn out of intrinsic motivation. As soon as a child knows what it wants to learn, it dives into it head first. The learning process is speeding up and the transfer of knowledge is very effective. Students at De Ruimte decide what they want to learn when, and find themselves a qualified teacher to support them in the proces. They shape their lives by naturally participating in an inspiring domain of learning.
And to have lots of fun of course!
