The Pearl: A Remote Democratic High School

In 2011, our founder and director, Robin Harwick, Ph.D., wrote that her purpose, as a researcher and educator, was to promote educational reform – so traditionally underserved students receive an education that honors them as individuals; promotes creativity and critical thinking; assists them in reaching their potential, and does not produce indoctrinated masses. Since then, she has been planting seeds about how transformative a democratic approach to education can be for young people. 

The Pearl Democratic High School was born when she was sharing her frustration with her son about not being able to find a democratic school for him, and he responded - “you should start your own.” She then threw the idea out on social media, and was met with a resounding “Do it” and “I want to help.”  Since that day, young people, educators, researchers, and community members from the United States, Mexico, and the UK have volunteered their time and minds to help build The Pearl!