Blue Mountain School - publicly-funded democratic school

[Vie528]

It'd be nice to see different pov's instead of the tear jerkers posted. Our child attended BMS briefly. We loved the idea of a democratic school. Sadly, IMO, BMS didn't live up to what they claimed to represent. We gladly left. Kids were getting injured while others slept the day away. The focus was on "being free" not the 3 R's preparing students for the reality of the world. Imo it was a daycare. Our child wanted OUT! BMS could've been a great school if only...

Parent of former BMS student

[babjjb]

I agree completely with you, Vie528. I went to that school for almost 5 years, and don't get me wrong I have amazing memories from it, and I grew and learned a lot, but they definitely are not as productive as they make it seem. A lot of the staff were corrupt, selfish and just nasty. I'm not saying it's a bad thing it closed, but it was going downhill, and fast. Still, it's extremely sad news to hear it closed.

[quinnsans]

I would rape, murder, castrate, pillage, and set (insert living object here) on fire for a school that is free, both in a democratic environment & that it is tuition free in my metropolitan area. In fact New York only has one Free School, the Brooklyn Free School. & I have to attend Brooklyn Tech (a monstrous, sad & horrible example of a high school)

I bid you luck in your endeavors of keeping the blue mountain school open.

[quinnsans]

oh btw I'm not a rapist, murderer, castrations expert, pillager, or ultra-pyromaniac. so humourless people don't go on my profile page.

& I sorta found out that BMS closed, so I bid you luck on reopening.

[yvelleyzelle]

Is it still open?

[bopabath]

Yes. The Oregon State Dept of Education ruled that the termination was wrongful, but the renewal of the charter came up shortly after, and the local board voted No, without real consideration. The school is currently in another appeal to the state, and will be funded until that process is complete.

[yvelleyzelle]

It's a pity the government doesn't fund more democratic schools.

[smartypants46]

People, please send your emails to the addresses in the video! It's not too late! We MUST save this awesome school, and save these precious children from being forced out of a school they love and into the confines of a conventional school they are not ready for and who is not ready for them. What's going to happen to these wonderful children's lives? Give them a chance to finish out their education in the way that best suits them! Get those letters on the way, folks! Viva Blue Mountain!

[chewyx02]

There's still time to write letters to Susan Castillo. It's Feb. 14 and she hasn't made a decision yet.

[luxurykeylime]

This is so sad! As a student of a private democratic school, the thought of a publicly-funded one is amazing, and it's /very/ sad to see it struggle.

[N0NAG0N]

I attend a sudbury valley school on the east coast, and I can't imagine what it would be like if it got closed down. I'm gonna do everything I can to save you guys.

[35mac]

"Never give up. Never,never give up, never,never,never give up!" winston Churchill's entire speech to graduates of Garamendi.

[youvebeenthunderstru]

Yes, let's shut down the school. They have to learn and think like we do so the next generation won't take power away from us. No free thought allowed. /sarcasm

[dmydlack]

The only publicly-funded democratic school in the U.S. - could this situation be more bizarr?

There are indeed a number of schools like this, some struggling, some thriving, all beloved. This one, though, is unique as a charter school.

nwamericanschoolhouse dot com

[tinkygirl42]

Who ever may read this comment or whatever I am student of BMS (Blue Mountain School) I love my school and everything about it and i could sit here forever talking about all the great experiences but of corse i wouldn't have the space in this comment box to say everything. Well I guess one of the best way to say it for me, Is well I love My school and i really hope it's not taken away from me.-

BMS Student

[Shadflyoaks]

There are other schools like this in the world (though not very many), but this is the only publicly funded one in the US.

As such it puts a unique and valuable resource within reach of families who wouldn't otherwise have access to it!

[LADYMOR22]

This School is a fantastic and amazing place where students thrive and learn and look forward to school each morning. It would be a tragedy if it were force to close it's doors.

[hedgenettle7]

It would be a tragedy if this institution was shut down. Down with backward thinkers!!

[chewyx02]

This school is amazing!

[tnguyenuw]

Right on.