Teens at Saint Louis Sudbury School

All students at Saint Louis Sudbury School have the time and space to pursue their interests, participate in the governance of the school, practice real-world responsibility and life skills, add value to those around them, navigate communication and relationships, and discover who they are. As Sudbury students head into their teenage years, parents and students begin to consider plans for graduation, college applications, jobs, internships, and more. The following highlights opportunities for teens at Sudbury and ways in which staff offer support. (Note: each Sudbury student’s life journey is unique! All of the following are optional.)

Greater independence and leadership
Saint Louis Sudbury School teens often help younger students with activities, develop and remind students about school rules and policies, assist peers and staff with problem solving, and ask questions that help develop our school. Teenage students frequently chair committees, certify students to safely use equipment and resources, and enjoy a greater level of independence and freedom with off-campus opportunities.

A twice-monthly check-in meeting
During these optional brief meetings, students and staff talk about what they are working on, any support people might need on projects, questions students may have about Sudbury life, and/or any concerns they may have about policies, rules, field trips, workshops, classes, and more. These check-in meetings are also available for students with just staff (and no other students present), if that format is preferred. These meetings are also available during summer break.

Student Self-Assessment
Sudbury students may choose to participate in a monthly written self-assessment that is shared with staff (in an in-person conversation) and parents. The self-assessment form, completed by the student (with help from a peer or Sudbury adult as needed), focuses on how the student is feeling about their Sudbury experience. This is meant to be a self-awareness and noting exercise for the student and a resource for Sudbury staff and caregivers to offer support as needed. The self-assessment process is inspired by research from the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University and the Consortium for Human Flourishing at Saint Louis University.

Graduating at Saint Louis Sudbury School
Students at Saint Louis Sudbury School can graduate with a diploma at the end of the school year in which they turn 17, 18 or 19. There are several steps and requirements for the diploma process including serving on school committees, a capstone project, a reflection essay, and giving a presentation.

Diploma Team Meetings
Graduation Committee and/or Diploma Teams meet with students who are working on their graduation projects twice a month to support the student’s progress, offer advice, and provide feedback.

Transcripts
Students can begin to develop a transcript noting their work at Sudbury 1-3 years in advance of when they plan to graduate. Since our school does not have grades or tests, it is helpful for students to keep written records of what they are learning about, committees that they have participated in, peers that they have helped, and more as well as their self-assessed proficiency level of areas of study. Sudbury staff has sample transcripts for students to reference from several other Sudbury model schools throughout the country.

Standarized Tests for College or Job Applications
Sudbury students can plan ahead to take standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT (for college applications) and/or the HiSET or GED (high school equivalency tests which may help on some job applications). Sudbury staff and volunteers are available to help with test prep as requested.

Accelerate Arizona State University (ASU) Online Courses
Saint Louis Sudbury School has partnered with the Accelerate ASU program. It is a nationwide, university-based dual enrollment program, offering students accessible yet rigorous college-level courses in their familiar school environment, taught by ASU faculty. Accelerate ASU empowers students to earn widely transferable college credits while still in high school, supporting college readiness and future academic success. Sudbury staff and volunteers are available to help students register for these courses and provide study assistance as requested. There is an additional fee for families who want their child to participate in this program.