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SDE Youth Rights Accreditation

SDE Youth Rights Accreditation

Youth Rights Accreditation for Self-Directed Ecucation

EMPOWER YOUR COMMUNITY

SDE Youth Rights Accreditation for a Youth-Centered Educational Future

Imagine an education system where young people’s rights, voices, and unique learning journeys are at the core. The Self-Directed Education (SDE) Youth Rights Accreditation offers this vision—an international recognition for educational spaces that prioritize youth rights and autonomy​ in mutual aid supported spaces. This accreditation brings credibility to liberatory educational models, bridging youth-centered methodologies with conventionally accepted standards. By validating educational approaches that honor young people’s agency, SDE YRA helps youth rights educational spaces gain legal recognition, earn respect, and join a historical movement rooted in fostering healthy, resilient, and fulfilled young people.

Why SDE YRA Matters

In a world where young people often face discrimination, SDE YRA stands as an advocate for their rights and dignity. Accreditation ensures that learning spaces meet the highest standards of safety, inclusivity, and human rights, sending a clear message to the broader community about the importance of empowering youth as capable, responsible individuals.

We celebrate and support diverse methodologies, including:

Agile Learning Centers
Democratic Free Schools
Flying Squads
Liberated Learners Centers
Sudbury Schools
Unschooling Communities

Whether a space identifies with terms like Consent-Based Education, Self-Directed Education, or Youth Agency, SDE YRA affirms its commitment to youth empowerment and inclusivity.

Accreditation is for

Youth Rights Education Centers and Schools

Is your learning center finding it challenging to bring parents on board with unconventional approaches, or to communicate the value of a youth-centered education? SDE YRA accreditation provides a powerful tool to showcase your commitment to young people’s rights and demonstrate that your practices align with global standards. By receiving accreditation, you’re not only enhancing your community’s trust and engagement but also reducing staff burnout and fostering a more resilient, united educational culture.

Care Providers

Choosing an alternative path for your child’s education can feel daunting. SDE YRA accreditation assures you that these educational spaces uphold rigorous standards of youth rights, prioritizing respect, empathy, and autonomy. Accredited centers are dedicated to supporting your child’s journey in a way that values them as individuals. You can trust that your child is in a space that aligns with your values and celebrates their growth, curiosity, and agency.

Whether new to self-directed education or experienced, SDE YRA accreditation is a resource for ongoing growth and development for all communities, staff, and care providers. You’ll gain access to a community of peers, tools for building supportive learning environments, and recognition of your dedication to upholding youth rights. Accreditation underscores your commitment to fostering safe, inclusive spaces where young people thrive as empowered learners.

Staff and Facilitators

Whether new to self-directed education or experienced, SDE YRA accreditation is a resource for ongoing growth and development. You’ll gain access to a community of peers, tools for building supportive learning environments, and recognition of your dedication to upholding youth rights. Accreditation underscores your commitment to fostering safe, inclusive spaces where young people thrive as empowered learners.

How to Apply

The path to accreditation involves a three-part process designed to celebrate each space’s unique context and culture:

  • Application Submission to provide some initial information and to initiate a conversation
  • Remote Interviews with community members, including staff, care providers, and young people enrolled
  • Site Visit to observe practices in action
    This flexible approach respects local laws and cultural nuances, ensuring that all communities have equal access to recognition. Additionally, fees are adjusted for local economies, making accreditation accessible worldwide. Once accredited, the recognition lasts for five years.

APPLY NOW

A Commitment to Inclusivity

SDE YRA celebrates diversity across cultures, abilities, races, genders, religions, non-religions, sexual orientations, and all ages. Our goal is to serve as a guiding resource, not an imposing authority, empowering educational spaces to thrive on their terms.

Join Us in Transforming Education

By pursuing SDE Youth Rights Accreditation, your educational space is taking an inspiring step towards a future where youth empowerment, community collaboration, and respect for individuality are at the heart of learning. Let’s work together to create a world where young people are valued, heard, and fully supported on their unique journeys.

Partners & Supporters

The Alliance for Self-Directed Education (ASDE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to increasing accessibility and awareness of Self-Directed Education as a way of living and learning, and connecting the communities and voices of the movement.

ASDE envisions a world where young people’s human rights are respected and upheld, which includes the freedom to direct their lives and education; and where Self-Directed Education (SDE) is widely embraced, accepted, and available to all families regardless of their status, race, or income.

Radical Learning logo

Radical Learning is an organization dedicated to transforming education by supporting educators and parents in stepping away from conventional, outcome-driven models and embracing relationship-centered, consent-based approaches. Through authentic connection, we empower adults to support youth autonomy and self-directed learning. Our mission is to humanize education by challenging outdated paradigms and equipping adults with tools that nurture collaboration, communication, and consent, ensuring young people’s agency is honored. Together with SDE YRA, we are committed to advocating for equitable learning environments that uplift youth voices and provide safe, liberating spaces for all learners.