Choosing SDE is a brave and challenging decision!

Do you feel excited and overwhelmed by the journey you've embarked upon? We feel you! Making the decision to transition into Self-Directed Education (SDE) is brave, and it's also tough because role models are scarce, and many of those around you might be questioning your choice… And you might be too! Some of the most crucial elements of SDE can be difficult to grasp and implement, for example:

How you…

Support your kid’s self directed learning when you don't know what it can look like in real life.

Quiet the fears and doubts that easily show up with stepping outside the conventional system.

Ensure that your young person receives the right support.

What Parent Support Circles offer

These live, monthly online circles are designed to address the core challenges that SDE parents face, helping you to:

  • Transition to SDE: Understanding and navigating learning beyond conventional school models.

  • Build communication without power struggles: Building strong connections without conflict or power struggles.

  • Create intentional culture: Cultivating a thriving, relational learning community in the families and learning environment. Creating inclusive, dynamic, and supportive learning communities.

How are Parent Support Circles structured?

Each session is dynamic, interactive, and structured around the core topics (see above!) that address your most pressing concerns.

Using tools like reflective prompts, small group discussions, and practice exercises, we create a space where you can expand as a parent while you learn, grow and connect with others in your same situation.

What are the benefits for the parents?

You walk away with a deeper understanding of your kids’ needs, and develop tools that support their learning, autonomy and agency. 

Parent Support Circles aren’t just about gaining tools. They’re about creating lasting transformation for you and your family. You gain clarity, confidence, and connection on this learning journey.

How do Parent Support Circles work?

  • How does the enrollment period work, and how many sessions are included?

    Your annual fee includes nine sessions, and your enrollment starts from the month you join, so if you sign up in August, your year runs from August to July, covering nine transformative sessions.

  • Can both parents/caregivers join under one registration?

    Yes, but since our sessions include small group discussions in breakout rooms, each person will need their own device to participate. If co-parents want to join together, we offer a 50% discount on the second registration.Parent Support Circles provide guidance and tools to help you navigate this transition with clarity and confidence.

  • What happens if I miss a session?

    No worries! We record all sessions, and they are available to all current Parent Support Circle members, so you can catch up anytime.

  • Do I need prior experience with Self-Directed Education (SDE) to join?

    Not at all! Whether you're new to SDE or have been on this journey for years, our sessions are designed to support all parents in deepening their understanding and confidence.

  • Can I bring my own questions and challenges to the sessions?

    Absolutely! Our sessions are interactive and participatory. While we structure them based on our experience, we also shape the content based on participant feedback. After each session, we provide a feedback form to guide future discussions, ensuring that what we cover remains relevant and supportive.

  • Are these sessions confidential?

    Yes. We ask all participants to respect confidentiality and not share anything discussed outside of the Parent Support Circles. This helps create a safe and trusting space for open conversations.

  • Is there any work required outside of the sessions?

    No required work, but we love to provide a reflective prompt after each session to help deepen your insights and integrate what you've learned.

  • Is there a way to stay connected between sessions?

    Currently, we don’t have a contact list, but we’re open to creating one if participants find it valuable! Let us know if that’s something you’d like.

A pathway to the SDE Youth Rights Accreditation

The Parent Support Circles offer a pathway to the Self-Directed Education (SDE) Youth Rights Accreditation—an international recognition for educational spaces that champion human rights, with a focus on the rights of young people. 

This accreditation provides recognition that bridges youth-centered methodologies with conventionally accepted educational frameworks. It supports the sustainable growth of youth rights education, enhances legal recognition, and amplifies respect for this global movement rooted in fostering independent, responsible, and fulfilled young people.

Interested in pursuing accreditation? Read more here.

What you need to know

  • Topics we cover

    The role of an SDE parent

    Communicating without conflict

    Building trust and repairing relationships

    Power and consent

    Limiting beliefs and fears around learning

    Moving from coercion to consent

  • Tools we practice

    Active listening and empathy

    Holding space and connection

    Conflict resolution

    Boundary setting

    Suspending assumptions

    Moving towards curiosity

    Sensethinking

    Somatics ... and more!

  • Price

    Our Parent Support Circles is an evergreen ongoing program and a shared learning experience for parents from different communities. A yearly fee of $315 provides you with access to nine 90 minute transformative circles during the year. Co-parents receive 20% discount (email [email protected] to inquire).

  • 2025 DATES and TIMES

    Third Sunday of each month (except July)

    March 16th, April 20th, May 18th, June 15th, August 17th, September 21st, October 19th, November 16th, December 21st.

    8-9:30am PT, 10-11:30am CT, 11-12:30pm ET, 16:00-17:30 CET

    2026 DATES

    March 15th, April 19th, May 17th, June 21st, August 16th, September 20th, October 18th, November 15th, December 20th

  • Recorded sessions

    All our sessions happen on zoom and are recorded for participants only. You will have access to all recordings (including previously recorded sessions) and resources via our program platform as long as you are part of the Parent Support Circles.

A yearly subscription

A yearly fee of $315 provides you with access to nine 90 minute transformative circles during the year. Your enrollment starts from the month you join, so if you sign up in August, your year runs from August to July, covering nine sessions.

Testimonials

“Honestly, I came in feeling so unsure about everything, but this space has made me feel so much more confident. I’m trusting myself more, and I’ve started letting go of the fear that I’m doing it all wrong. It feels so good to have that weight off my shoulders.”

“These sessions have been such a gift. I’ve learned how to stop trying to control everything and just focus on connecting with my kids. I feel like I’m finally parenting the way I’ve always wanted to, without all the stress.”

“I didn’t realize how much pressure I was carrying around until I started coming to these circles. The somatic practices we’ve done have helped me relax and actually enjoy parenting more. I didn’t expect to feel this calm, but I’ll take it!”

“Joining this group was the best decision I’ve made as an SDE parent. Every session leaves me feeling inspired and like I actually know what I’m doing for once. Plus, the community here is amazing! It’s so nice to know I’m not alone in this.”

“This program has been exactly what I needed. The tools are practical and easy to use, and I leave every session feeling more capable. I wish I’d found this group sooner!”