Many people who visit our school say, “I wish I had gone to a school like this when I was growing up.” At Saint Louis Sudbury School, we recognize that school does not have to be a one-size-fits-all environment and “milestones” are different for everyone.

Saint Louis Sudbury School is a nonprofit Self-Directed Education* learning community for ages 5 to 18. Students enjoy daily participation in self-chosen activities, optional workshops and classes, governance of the school, and nurturing our school community with the support of peers and staff. Without grades, tests, or homework, Sudbury students have the time and space to pursue their interests, develop lifelong communication and decision-making skills, discover who they are, connect with people of all ages, explore challenging ideas, and experience what it takes to care for a community. Saint Louis Sudbury School prioritizes young people's well-being, self-awareness, knowledge, discernment, ability to connect with those around them, and agility to adapt and innovate in a changing world.

Although our tuition is only a fraction of what most independent schools in St. Louis charge, nearly 70% of our families require Saint Louis Sudbury School tuition assistance. 55% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help support Saint Louis Sudbury School and our tuition assistance program. Our goal is to raise $16,000. Your contribution makes it possible for students throughout the St. Louis region to have access to a unique and essential educational choice—one that results in young people feeling capable and empowered to live a satisfying life whatever that may be. Also, your gift goes far beyond our region! As Sudbury students’ life skills of perceptiveness, honesty, insight, critical thinking, imagination, kindness, and willingness to try and learn about new things changes their outlook on life, their happiness at school affects life at home, which affects their parents’ daily life, which affects the people that are connected to the parents’ networks, and onwards.
 
Double your impact! Through December 31, 2026, a Saint Louis Sudbury School family is matching donations dollar for dollar up to $5,000.

Our school community thrives because of the incredible generosity of in-kind contributions (donated services and goods), dedicated volunteers and parents, gifts from individual donors and community partners, and advice and research from the many staff of Sudbury inspired model schools around the world. Please join our school community as a generous supporter of the only Sudbury model school in the State of Missouri and advocate for reimagining what learning and living life can be for young people. Thank you!

What Sudbury community members say:

"Sudbury has been truly life changing for my child. Prior to starting at Sudbury, my child was stressed and anxious nearly every day before school and having meltdowns after school many days. All of that completely changed after starting at Sudbury. Now she is so well regulated, looks forward to going to school, and her confidence and ability to self advocate have transformed." — Saint Louis Sudbury School parent

"Sudbury offers real education that sticks with a person long after school is over. Sudbury encourages curiosity and life-long learning." — Saint Louis Sudbury School parent

"Sudbury has opened my eyes to a whole new world, given me the opportunity to learn to be independent, and the space and acceptance to discover myself." — Saint Louis Sudbury School student

"Since being at Sudbury, I have a better relationship with my parents, myself, and the people around me. I re-learned how to learn." — Saint Louis Sudbury School student

”I used to struggle heavily in public school environments. I got made fun of often and really didn’t do well with homework or tests, but here at Sudbury I’ve become more academically confident as well as more confident socially.” — Saint Louis Sudbury School student

"Sudbury trusts students to trust themselves." — Saint Louis Sudbury School student

"Sudbury has given me the space to find my real self." — Saint Louis Sudbury School student

”I personally find the Self-Directed Education aspect important and engaging. It allows me to learn what I want to learn at my own pace.” — Saint Louis Sudbury School student

”Sudbury School really uses young humans’ curiosity and eagerness to explore different subjects.” — Saint Louis Sudbury School student

Suggested Donations
$50 supports fish food for our aquarium
$70 supports a class with a guest teaching artist
$50 supports food ingredients for a school community lunch made by students
$150 supports a school ant farm
$300 supports a field trip to the St. Louis Aquarium
$950 supports a Sudbury facilitator's salary and payroll taxes for one week
$4,000 supports a one-year insurance policy for the school
$1,000 supports travel expenses for one staff member to attend the Sudbury schools conference
$1,800 supports rent
$70 supports a one-hour class with a guest math teacher
$50 supports printer ink jet cartridges
$100 supports a tax e-filing fee
$20 supports stamps for Pen Pal letters
$75 supports snacks and beverages for our Winter Open House
$50 supports ceramics supplies
$8,500 supports a full scholarship for one part-time student
$13,500 supports a full scholarship for one full-time student

*Self-Directed Education: Saint Louis Sudbury School practices Self-Directed Education (SDE) as defined by the Alliance for Self-Directed Education. SDE is education that derives from self-chosen activities and life experiences of the learner, whether or not those activities were chosen deliberately for the purpose of education.

Save on processing fees on our fundraising platform, Givebutter! If you would like to mail us a paper check, there are no processing fees. Just select "check" at the payment options step. Make your check payable to Saint Louis Sudbury School and mail to 5007 Waterman Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108. Thank you!