Comments from parents enrolled in the SelfDesign Learning Community 2004-2005   •  "I can't say  enough how wonderful this inspirational program has been, for  myself, my partner and all my kids. We've benefitted greatly." •  "We feel lucky to be a part of this very forward thinking program and hope those in the judgement seat will continue to keep their minds open to its incredible potential." •  "For my daughter, SelfDesign has been a godsend. Where else but in the Village would she be able to engage in mind-stretching conversation - certainly not with her peers in a school situation - or in other DEL programs who need to adhere specifically to the BC curriculum. We have been there and done that and finally we have found a program where she can blossom. ... This is also my son's second year with SeflDesign. His particular learning style is very well supported in this environment. Here he is free to delve and hyper focus as much as he wants. And when he is done being a sponge in that subject area, he is free again to move on and immerse himself in the next interest.  I really appreciate how our Learning Consultant has helped me put into perspective exactly how  much he is learning. She has been a great source of guidance and comfort. Her genuine interest in my children's learning means a lot to me." •  "Hi, we are a returning family to SelfDesign. We are very happy to be here and feel it is really the only place for us to be." •  "This is our first year with Self Design. We have been with different programs in the past but feel very much at home with Self Design. ... I like being able to follow the interests of my children and decide on my own curriculum and what we feel it is important to learn. I enjoy the adventure that this has become. My two young sons are really enjoying learning this year as it has been a lot more fun and at the same time more productive. ... The staff at SelfDesign have been extremely helpful and friendly. Their interest in the learners is sincere, kind and encourages joy in learning. Our Learning Consultant has been patient, available and inspiring in her encouragement. .. We feel at home here and are looking forward to many more years of SelfDesign." •  "SelfDesign is a new program to our family this year. We are pleased to be able to participate in a program that fits the learning and parenting philosophy of our family so well. Our son is able to continue on his path of life learning with the support and inspiration from the Village, and with the communications with Leet, his Learning Consultant. ... We believe in our son's value as a unique individual, and the SelfDesign program does also, and this allows him to progress and develop at his own rate. The financial support has allowed us to delve deeper into his interests and facilitate his explorations. It is  exciting to be a part of this program." •   "My son is 5 and this is our first year at SelfDesign. We would be homeschooling this year, if we hadn't found out about this program. SelfDesign is more than I could have asked for. As much as I believe in homeschooling, I was nervous about the idea of doing it all by myself, but SelfDesign removed that fear almost immediately. The support and resources I have found through our Learning Consultant and The Village of Conversations has been phenomenal. Any questions we have or difficulties we experience, there are answers available right away. " •  "One of my favourite aspects of this program has been the Observing for Learning. I love having a system where I record weekly just what he is doing, what he loving and what he is struggling with.  It allows me to keep an accurate perspective of his learning and makes me a better "teacher". Just in these past few months, I have really been able to see my son's strengths, weaknesses, and interests, while watching him do what children do best: be curious creatures who simply cannot get enough of this world. (Kid in the candy store of life.) I am so pleased that I will probably never hear the words "I hate school" come from his mouth.  He can truly learn anything he wants to, when it is the right time for him.  ... As far as learning outcomes go, I've observed that he is already advanced in many areas, and along with his highly social nature and sense of humour, I'm fairly positive that he would have been the bored "class clown" had he gone to public school, and would be reprimanded more than he would be learninng. Thank you for existing, SelfDesign!" •  "Self Design offers our children the opportunity to continue to enhance their natural strengths, and work on their weaknesses free of comparison and judgement." •  "SelfDesign has given us the opportunity to follow  a more natural path of learning. Our family is able to focus on our children's interests and enable them to excel with their special gifts and to continue to work steadily and continue to progress in the areas they find more difficult. ... I just feel that SelfDesign has allowed my children to grow in such a wonderful way.  Areas of weakness are just slowly improved on and not singled out and yet they are allowed free reign with their interests...... So they LOVE to learn." •  "I am the grandparent of a 5-year old new to SelfDesign. ... My hope for the future is that this SelfDesign Learning Community will grow in leaps and bounds to offer more families the same opportunities." •  "I would really like to take this time to thank the SelfDesign team for providing my son and I with this educational opportunity.  I have always felt that my son would benefit from an educational environment that encourages selfdirection rather than blind authority. ... This virtual environment is safe, nurturing, and rich with creative ideas and ideals.  It is an environment that allows us to be proactive about our education.  It allows us to live by the motto that learning is a life long adventure.  So thank you again for being our village!!!!!" •  "I can't possibly say  enough about how positive this village was for our family this  year.  It really gave us a sense of validation about who  we are and what we value. It is so wonderful to have the support and connection of other like minded families. I  feel  A LOT less alone than I did before this virtual  program.  Even though I only participated minimally in  the chats, I was able to "get to know" the participants  in the program from the postings all over the village." •  "Thank you SelfDesign, for your vision and commitment to the children, thank you  to the learning consultants for their dedication and thoughtful  observations, to the parents who are willing to support their children's natural learning and nurture their emerging abilities  with faith, rather than fear." •  "The most valuable  aspect for us was the ability to create a learning plan specific  to our daughter. It has been so wonderful to see her being  successful and reaching her goals!! This has been her best learning year ever. The other aspect we found valuable was  keeping track every week of what we were doing to realize her  goals and fulfill her learning plan. As difficult as it is  every week it has been well worth it."" •  "We are definitely re-enrolling."