History

Makarios Continues a Bright Tradition

Although it may seem new, the model of self-directed learning we follow dates back almost a century. This type educational environment is often referred to as a ‘Democratic School’ or ‘Free School’. Through the decades, young people graduating from these schools have gone on to be accepted to the colleges of their choice, pursue exciting careers, become entrepreneurs and innovators, and enjoy empowered lives. The founders and mentors at Makarios have researched the leading democratic free schools throughout the world and have tailored our community after the following successful education models.

1921

Summerhill School

This is the first and probably the most famous alternative or ‘free’ school. The Summerhill School’s philosophy is to allow freedom for the individual so that each child can take their own path in life and follow their individual interests to develop into the person they feel they are meant to be.

1968

Sudbury Valley School

This popular model of free school has been replicated in many countries. In fact, there are over 50 schools that claim to be based on the Sudbury Model in the United States, Denmark, Israel, Japan, Belgium, and Germany.

1969

Albany Free School

Founded in 1969, The Free School in Albany, New York, is the longest running inner-city independent alternative school in the United States.

2004

Brooklyn Free School

The Brooklyn Free School features an all-inclusive democratic system that runs many aspects of the day-to-day life of the school. The school honors student choice and facilitates student-centered learning through play and exploration, constructivist teaching, collaborative course work and self-directed student initiatives.

2013

Agile Learning Centers

Agile Learning Centers are an expanding network of intentional learning communities leveraging agile tools to support Self-Directed Education.