SDE-aligned schools satisfy the legal requirements of compulsory schooling laws while giving students as much freedom as possible to direct their own education.

Organizations that provide support, resources, and community for self-directed learners who are usually registered as homeschoolers.

Regular, casual gatherings of SDE-oriented families where people of all ages are free to socialize and engage in self-directed play.

Instead of traditional, adult-designed play structures, these outdoor spaces provide tools and supplies with which children are free to create their own structures and experiences.

Places where very young children engage primarily in self-directed play, including play-based daycare, childcare, and “preschool” programs.

Places where young people have access to tools, supplies, collaborators, and support for tinkering and creative projects, including high-tech inventions, arts and crafts, music and video production, etc.

This includes ecovillages, cohousing, intentional neighborhoods, or any other type of residential community that actively supports SDE for its younger members.

Camps that let children direct their own activities, providing support for self-discovery instead of imposing a school-like curriculum and schedule.

Organizations that support young people and families who want to learn about the world through direct experience of other places and cultures.

NOTE: Online "virtual" communities are included in this category only if they feature some form of live interaction like video-conferencing. Other online groups (e.g., forums, email groups, Facebook groups) are listed under "Information & Media ▸ Websites".

Groups of SDE-aligned parents, facilitators, and advocates who meet regularly, in person, to share support and information about SDE and/or to organize local SDE advocacy projects.

Support groups that are not place-based, but principally meet online.

Interactive online meetings to support SDE facilitators and families.

Regional, national, and international organizations that advance the SDE movement (or related causes) through direct advocacy work and/or by supporting individual advocates and local organizers.

Recurring (usually annual) SDE-themed gatherings, often family-oriented, where attendees can share knowledge and enjoy being immersed in a community of like-minded people.

All types of SDE events

Books about SDE, in theory and in practice.

Books with SDE themes, or featuring characters that practice SDE.

SDE-themed movies, documentaries, videos, and TV/web series.

SDE-focused audio content sources.
(Note: Audiobooks are included in "Books".)

Online sources of SDE-related information and support.

Scientific and academic research related to SDE.

Organizations and businesses (not specific events) that provide training and experiential learning related to the practice of SDE.

Includes support for educational planning, deschooling, parenting, special needs, and more.

Includes counselors and mental health professionals who understand SDE and support parents who choose SDE for their children.

Includes SDE-friendly doctors, chiropractors, occupational therapists, nutritionists, alternative/holistic health practitioners, and more.

Includes lawyers, expert witnesses, and legal consultants who are sympathetic to the legal hurdles often faced by parents, school organizers, and others involved in SDE.

SDE-friendly professionals who don’t fit any of the above categories.

All types of SDE jobs

Resources for which no other category is applicable.