2026 Global Self-Directed Democratic School Conference

Wed, July 22, 2026 — 5:00 PM CDT

Tickets

Early Bird Full Conference Ticket

$284.70
(includes 4.70 fee)

Sales end on Apr 16, 2026 12:00 AM

The Early Bird Ticket is a 20% discount from the $350 regular price for the Conference! It covers all of the scheduled events of the 2026 Global Self-Directed Democratic School Conference from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday Evening, including the Keynote Speaker session featuring Peter Gray.

The Sunday sailing excursion and adventure on the Tall Ship Windy must be purchased separately.

International Full Conference Ticket

$254.25
(includes 4.25 fee)

Sales end on Jun 11, 2026 12:00 AM

To help mitigate some of the costs of travelling internationally for the conference, we are happy to offer a discounted International Ticket price! This ticket covers all of the scheduled events of the 2026 Global Self-Directed Democratic School Conference from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday Evening, including the Keynote Speaker session featuring Peter Gray.

The Sunday sailing excursion and adventure on the Tall Ship Windy must be purchased separately.

Student Full Conference Pricing

$178.13
(includes 3.13 fee)

Sales end on Jun 11, 2026 12:00 AM

The Student Full Conference pricing option is only for current students of Sudbury/Self-Directed/Democratic Schools. It covers all scheduled events for the 2026 Global Self-Directed Democratic School Conference, from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday Evening, including the Keynote Speaker session featuring Peter Gray.

The Sunday sailing excursion and adventure on the Tall Ship Windy must be purchased separately.

Tall Ship Windy Sunday Excursion

$42.37
(includes 2.37 fee)

Sales end on Jun 11, 2026 12:00 AM

The Tall Ship Windy Excursion will be the finale of the conference. The Windy is a 150-foot 3-masted schooner and will be taking us on a 90-minute sail on Lake Michigan.Rick, a Tallgrass Staff member, previously worked as a Historical Docent on the Windy and will provide Historical programming/stories during this sail. A list of programming options to vote on will be sent closer to the event.

Family Day Ticket- Saturday Only

$105.05
(includes 5.05 fee)

Sales end on Jun 10, 2026 12:00 AM

The Saturday Family Day Ticket covers all of the scheduled Saturday events of the 2026 Global Self-Directed Democratic School Conference, including the Keynote Speaker session featuring Peter Gray in the evening. Afternoon Breakout sessions built towards engaging with Family Members of Sudbury/Self-Directed/Democratic Schools such as "Trusting the Process: The Power of Trust" and "Spreading the Model-Talking to Family and Friends about SDE" are planned.

The Sunday sailing excursion and adventure on the Tall Ship Windy must be purchased separately.

Delivery method

Donate

Optional Conference Donation

Select amount

$25

$50

$100

A processing fee of $0.49 will be applied to paid orders.

Location

Tallgrass Sudbury School

100 6th Avenue
La Grange, Illinois, 60525

Get Directions

Upcoming events

Sat, Jul 25 07:00 PM
A talk with Dr. Peter Gray: What Is Self-Directed Education, and How Do We Know It Works?

About this event

A biennial opportunity for educators from Sudbury, Self-Directed, and Democratic Schools to come together in person and share their knowledge and experience, the 2026 Global Self-Directed Democratic School Conference comes to the Chicagoland area, hosted by Tallgrass Sudbury School!

This eagerly awaited conference will include breakout sessions on topics related to democratic schooling, networking opportunities with educators from around the world of self-directed education, and an exciting array of featured sessions and excursions. Featured events include a panel on SDE research, a presentation from Sudbury International, a unique optional excursion aboard a 150-ft tall ship, and is highlighted by Saturday Night's keynote speaker, the author of "Free to Learn", Dr. Peter Gray.

2026 Global SDDSC Schedule of Events:

WEDNESDAY 7/22:
- 4:30-5:30: Early Registration and Tours
- 5:00-6:30: Welcome Cook-Out Dinner on the Grill
- 6:30-8:30: Wednesday Night Featured Session: Research Panel on SDE, led by Dr. Melissa Bradford
- 8:30-10:00: Opening Night Fire-Pit Welcoming Gathering

THURSDAY 7/23:
- 10:00-11:30: Late Registration and Tours
- 11:30-12:30: Breakout Session Planning and Sign-ups
- 12:30-1:30: Lunch
- 2:00-6:00: Thursday Afternoon Breakout Sessions (2)
- 6:00-7:30: Dinner
- 7:30-9:00: Thursday Night Featured Session: Growing the Movement led by Sudbury International

FRIDAY 7/24-
- 10:00-11:30: Friday Morning Breakout Session
- 12:00-1:00: Lunch
- 1:00-6:00: Friday Afternoon Breakout Sessions (3)
- 6:00-7:30: Dinner
- 7:30-9:00: Friday Night Featured Session

SATURDAY 7/25 - Family Day: Family Day will offer pre-built breakout sessions directed towards families of Sudbury/SDE/Democratic Schools along with the more traditional breakout rooms that are customary to the SDDSC's of the past.
- 10:00-12:00: TBD
- 12:30-1:00: Small Lunch/arrival at school space for any off-camput morning event.
- 1:00-6:00: Saturday Afternoon Breakout Sessions (3)
- 6:00-7:00: Dinner
- 7:00-9:00: Saturday Night Featured Event and Conference Keynote Speaker: Dr. Peter Gray

SUNDAY 7/26-
- Conference Closing off-campus Excursion: Private Tour/Sail on Tall Ship Windy docked at Navy Pier in Chicago. This Sail is from 11:00-12:30* and requires an add-on ticket for the conference
  - *- For anyone who needs to check out of their hotel and needs a place for their bags during the excursion, Tallgrass Staff will coordinate a meeting at the school to secure your baggage and take the train/transit to Navy Pier and back after the sail.
  - Historical Programming will be provided on the sail by a Tallgrass Staff Member with docent experience