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We are on a mission to revolutionize learning, empowering students of all economic backgrounds to experience a liberating education grounded in freedom and community.

At Zena Democratic School our approach to education is distinctly pro-human being, grounded in the belief that each young person is unique and capable of successfully directing their own education to cultivate the skills and the confidence they need to build the life they want and participate in managing and contributing to their communities.

Zena Democratic School is a 501c(3) education corporation and we are committed to maintaining accessible tuition and a robust financial aid program – we strive to never deny admission for financial reasons. Your support ensures equitable access to Zena Democratic school and directly contributes towards building a future where every young soul is empowered, where knowledge is not confined but emancipated, and supports the boundless potential of the next generation of thinkers, innovators, artists, and change-makers.

Endowment Fund

The HVSS School Meeting has created an Endowment Fund. The endowment fund will help raise funds for the school and provide financial security.

Programming

Programming donations support our winter offerings as well as individual and group pursuits such as instructor costs, theater, travel, supplies and other resources.

Campus Improvement

Building and Campus Improvement donations help us maintain and add to our beautiful campus: a new building, playground projects, trail markings, climbing trees, garden planting etc…

Financial Aid

Our school strives to maintain a low tuition and generous financial aid. Help keep the school accessible by contributing to our robust Financial Aid Program!

Endowment Fund

Programming

Campus Improvement

Financial Aid

Parents’ experience of the school is a crucial factor in determining their childrens’ experience of the school. Children of parents who work hard to understand our philosophy, communicate with staff, attend events, and connect with the community usually get the most out of our program.

At Zena Democratic School, rule infractions and interpersonal conflicts are resolved using sophisticated restorative justice tools.

Age-mixing is one of the most potent developmental experiences at Zena Democratic School.

Each student aged 14+ is automatically enrolled in our High School Advisor Program;

Screens are allowed at school, with restrictions.

At Zena Democratic School, a Cooperative (coop) is a group of like-minded students and staff who organize around a common interest, like music, art, or sports.

At Zena Democratic School, the jobs of administration and maintenance are divided into roles called Clerkships;

Every student and staff at Zena Democratic School is assigned a cleaning job by the Physical Plant Clerk.

Students may receive a diploma if they elect to undergo our internal diploma process.

Zena Democratic School is located on a parcel of 67 wooded acres in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains in the Hudson Valley region of New York State.

Zena Democratic School is a direct democracy; each student and member of the staff has an equal vote in managing all aspects of the school’s operation.