Education Revolution | Alternative Education Resource Organization

Charlotte ("Candy") has a lifetime love of children. She became interested in democratic education after reading A.S. Neill’s Summerhill in 1967. Candy and her husband, Steve, visited Summerhill in 1969 kindling their interest in starting a school where children could experience freedom and responsibility.

After graduating with a degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Candy continued her education in Community Counseling. She specialized in doing play therapy with young children. Candy pursued her interest in children’s education by completing a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction as well as Foundations of Education at West Virginia University. While researching and writing her dissertation entitled “John Dewey’s Concept of the Child”, Candy became even more interested in democratic education.

In 1981, Candy helped found The Highland School, a democratic school where children could pursue happiness in their own unique ways. Over the years, Candy continued to explore democratic education. She attended conferences, wrote papers, and read about other democratic schools such as Sudbury Valley School. The Highland School also evolved as school members created a constitution and bill of rights to protect the democratic process.

At The Highland School, Candy sees children’s freedom to play on a daily basis. She finds that the many opportunities for young students to experience “deep play” is a vital part of their healthy emotional and intellectual development. Candy feels fortunate to be involved with The Highland School. She enjoys seeing the difference it makes when children can pursue their own interests in a democratic environment.