A. S. Neill

Summerhill

1. IDEA 1

   Children thrive with freedom

   Neill describes Summerhill, the boarding school he founded in England in 1921, where children are free to choose whether to attend lessons. He argues that freedom helps children grow into happy, balanced adults.

2. IDEA 2

   Lessons are optional

   Neill explains that at Summerhill pupils decide for themselves whether to go to classes. He reports that most eventually choose to learn when ready. In his view, interest that comes from within is stronger than attendance forced by rules.

3. IDEA 3

   The school governs itself

   Neill describes the school meeting, where pupils and staff each have one vote in making rules. Children learn responsibility through self-government. In his account, the meeting gave children a real say, which Neill believed built fairness and confidence.

All 8 ideas from Summerhill →