Learning is entirely self-directed at Fairhaven. Students ages 5 to 18 decide for themselves how to spend their days. Their innate desire to play, explore, and gain competence flourishes here. People are naturally curious; just try to stop toddlers from exploring their world! When students have complete educational freedom they show the same unstoppable passion.
Students of all ages mix freely, learning from one another and from staff, gaining self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. All kinds of learning, all types of intelligence are valued. Students acquire life skills, growing emotionally, physically, and creatively as well as academically. Learning takes place in many ways: through play, school governance, conversation, classes, computer activities, reading, and the exploration of nature.
Hudson Valley Sudbury School