RIP School Survival Forums
August 2001 - June 2017

The School Survival Forums are permanently retired. If you need help with quitting school, unsupportive parents or anything else, there is a list of resources on the Help Page.

If you want to write about your experiences in school, you can write on our blog.

To everyone who joined these forums at some point, and got discouraged by the negativity and left after a while (or even got literally scared off): I'm sorry.

I wasn't good enough at encouraging people to be kinder, and removing people who refuse to be kind. Encouraging people is hard, and removing people creates conflict, and I hate conflict... so that's why I wasn't better at it.

I was a very, very sensitive teen. The atmosphere of this forum as it is now, if it had existed in 1996, would probably have upset me far more than it would have helped.

I can handle quite a lot of negativity and even abuse now, but that isn't the point. I want to help people. I want to help the people who need it the most, and I want to help people like the 1996 version of me.

I'm still figuring out the best way to do that, but as it is now, these forums are doing more harm than good, and I can't keep running them.

Thank you to the few people who have tried to understand my point of view so far. I really, really appreciate you guys. You are beautiful people.

Everyone else: If after everything I've said so far, you still don't understand my motivations, I think it's unlikely that you will. We're just too different. Maybe someday in the future it might make sense, but until then, there's no point in arguing about it. I don't have the time or the energy for arguing anymore. I will focus my time and energy on people who support me, and those who need help.

-SoulRiser

The forums are mostly read-only and are in a maintenance/testing phase, before being permanently archived. Please use this time to get the contact details of people you'd like to keep in touch with. My contact details are here.

Please do not make a mirror copy of the forums in their current state - things will still change, and some people have requested to be able to edit or delete some of their personal info.


Search Results
Post Author Forum Replies Views Posted [asc]
  Thread: introduction
Post: introduction

Welcome to the forums -- I think that as more people homeschool, and share their experience of it, it can do a lot to change the conversation about education that is usually all about school-as-usual.
xcriteria Welcome! 9 3,724 06-10-2017, 02:01 PM
  Thread: Should I Try to Start Highschool Early?
Post: RE: Should I Try to Start Highschool Early?

Also, why can't you homeschool? If it's because of parents, maybe you could demonstrate what you're capable of doing on your own with resources like the above and persuade them to let you continue af...
xcriteria School Talk 33 15,691 05-27-2017, 07:00 AM
  Thread: Should I Try to Start Highschool Early?
Post: RE: Should I Try to Start Highschool Early?

Here are some sits that offer a ton of online learning: https://www.khanacademy.org -- covers basically all standard and advanced high school content and introductory college content in core subjects...
xcriteria School Talk 33 15,691 05-27-2017, 06:57 AM
  Thread: Should I Try to Start Highschool Early?
Post: Should I Try to Start Highschool Early?

I wouldn't put too high an expectation on high school. You can learn all of the content in high school from online sources like Khan Academy and Crash Course, as well as all kinds of other learning. ...
xcriteria School Talk 33 15,691 05-22-2017, 03:01 PM
  Thread: actively campaign to get noticed and mentioned by boyinaband
Post: RE: actively campaign to get noticed and mentioned...

I agree on making a new site. Let's get a team together and do it, we could discuss on the Alliance forums too and see if anyone there would like to get involved.
xcriteria Help, Support & Suggestions 32 7,024 05-21-2017, 11:07 AM
  Thread: actively campaign to get noticed and mentioned by boyinaband
Post: RE: actively campaign to get noticed and mentioned...

On Patreon? https://www.patreon.com/boyinaband It's $5/video to get access to the Patreon Hangouts/Livestreams
xcriteria Help, Support & Suggestions 32 7,024 05-21-2017, 11:03 AM
  Thread: actively campaign to get noticed and mentioned by boyinaband
Post: RE: actively campaign to get noticed and mentioned...

I also think updating the site seriously would be a good step before it being in a boyinaband video. And/or we could ask him to link to the Alliance for Self-directed Education and people could find ...
xcriteria Help, Support & Suggestions 32 7,024 05-21-2017, 10:21 AM
  Thread: actively campaign to get noticed and mentioned by boyinaband
Post: RE: actively campaign to get noticed and mentioned...

I would like to get boyinaband's attention too. One thing I'd suggest is if several people from here become patreon sponsors we could get on his monthly livestreams and jumpstart conversation about e...
xcriteria Help, Support & Suggestions 32 7,024 05-21-2017, 10:18 AM
  Thread: Alliance for Self-Directed Education Membership & Forums are live!
Post: Alliance for Self-Directed Education Membership & ...

It's taken a long time, but the Alliance for Self-Directed Education (ASDE), launched by Peter Gray and others, has launched membership on their site, which includes forums and the opportunity to conn...
xcriteria Youth Rights 2 3,112 05-19-2017, 11:33 PM
  Thread: Seeking people have dropped out of high school without parent support (for interview)
Post: RE: Seeking people have dropped out of high school...

I think they want to find people who have dropped out for this episode but I'll definitely​ introduce you and if not this one then youd definitely be welcomed on a future episode, they are always look...
xcriteria School Talk 4 2,601 04-28-2017, 05:28 AM
  Thread: Seeking people have dropped out of high school without parent support (for interview)
Post: Seeking people have dropped out of high school wit...

I was asked to help find guests for a web show episode about Dropping out of High School. I know there are a few people here who have managed to drop out even without their parents' support. If this...
xcriteria School Talk 4 2,601 04-28-2017, 04:28 AM
  Thread: Bitchy Mom Kms
Post: RE: Bitchy Mom Kms

(02-20-2017 07:41 AM)Jop Wrote:  Aaaand he has set his account to permanently away. Rightfully. Such a nice forum is this! Yes, this is supposed to be a support forum. And some people here do ...
xcriteria Welcome! 25 18,581 02-20-2017, 02:53 PM
  Thread: Bitchy Mom Kms
Post: RE: Bitchy Mom Kms

(02-20-2017 07:41 AM)Jop Wrote:  Aaaand he has set his account to permanently away. Rightfully. Such a nice forum is this! Yes, this is supposed to be a support forum. And some people here do ...
xcriteria Welcome! 25 18,581 02-20-2017, 02:53 PM
  Thread: Bitchy Mom Kms
Post: Bitchy Mom Kms

I see the problem -- but it should be possible to get a decent Android smartphone with relevant features for $70 or not too much more. Maybe you can get one sooner than expected with your own money?
xcriteria Welcome! 25 18,581 02-20-2017, 02:51 PM
  Thread: Youth Liberation League
Post: Youth Liberation League

I've been thinking about how to get discussion going along somewhat similar lines, though my focus is less directly about the concept of rights, and more about what can be done to help people realize ...
xcriteria Youth Rights 31 10,490 02-20-2017, 02:46 PM
  Thread: Emailing Teachers Personally
Post: RE: Emailing Teachers Personally

(02-12-2017 02:00 PM)TheCancer Wrote:  They will fire the teacher. Seen it happen. Even if someone writes a public post about the teacher (perhaps using initials or some other way to anonymize ...
xcriteria School Talk 9 3,363 02-14-2017, 12:05 PM
  Thread: graduation practice
Post: graduation practice

All I can say to this is wow. That is truly insane.
xcriteria School Talk 3 2,292 02-14-2017, 12:02 PM
  Thread: Bill introduced to abolish the Department of Education!
Post: RE: Bill introduced to abolish the Department of E...

(02-12-2017 01:57 PM)TheCancer Wrote:  Quote:The thing is, in the US, school is basically run at the state and district level. The federal government's role is limited to a small percentage of f...
xcriteria School Talk 44 16,158 02-14-2017, 12:00 PM
  Thread: Why Does the Anti-School Crowd Lean Left?
Post: RE: Why Does the Anti-School Crowd Lean Left?

(02-14-2017 11:26 AM)the Analogist Wrote:  Dan Greenberg attests that all colors of the political spectrum are attracted to the Sudbury model Yeah, I think that is broadly true. But -- a bit t...
xcriteria School Talk 8 4,371 02-14-2017, 11:51 AM
  Thread: I hate my generation (Rant)
Post: RE: I hate my generation (Rant)

(02-12-2017 03:47 PM)xUnknownSoldazx Wrote:   (02-12-2017 12:33 PM)xcriteria Wrote:  I think the short answer is that people don't have an inspiring vision for what to do instead. Maybe th...
xcriteria School Talk 10 7,331 02-13-2017, 12:37 PM
  Thread: The "You never go to school argument"
Post: The "You never go to school argument"

Well, if you aren't interested in going to school, the issue is less whether you go sometimes, never, or always, but what you might do instead. Have you explored and discussed alternatives to your cu...
xcriteria School Talk 5 2,518 02-12-2017, 01:27 PM
  Thread: Private School?
Post: Private School?

The issue isn't so much about public vs. private school, but about the approach a given school (or alternative like a self-directed learning center or homeschooling) takes. If you'd like an alternati...
xcriteria Alternative Learning & Income 6 3,498 02-12-2017, 01:25 PM
  Thread: Truancy and Illness
Post: Truancy and Illness

If this is in the US or another country where homeschooling is legal, the best option may be to choose homeschooling. If in the US, depending on the state, it's very easy -- or a bit of paperwork -- ...
xcriteria Youth Rights 8 3,298 02-12-2017, 01:12 PM
  Thread: Emailing Teachers Personally
Post: Emailing Teachers Personally

One option, if you want, would be to write a public post of some sort (perhaps not mentioning the teacher by name) and ask someone else to send a link and explanation. Regardless, I would agree with ...
xcriteria School Talk 9 3,363 02-12-2017, 01:08 PM
  Thread: Why Does the Anti-School Crowd Lean Left?
Post: Why Does the Anti-School Crowd Lean Left?

It's a complicated issue; I think part of it is that in a left-vs.-right view of things, the left is generally more socially liberal. But mainstream left and right overall both seem to be heavily pro...
xcriteria School Talk 8 4,371 02-12-2017, 12:54 PM
  Thread: Bill introduced to abolish the Department of Education!
Post: Bill introduced to abolish the Department of Educa...

I'll think about how to respond in more depth to this thread, but in regard to the original post: The thing is, in the US, school is basically run at the state and district level. The federal govern...
xcriteria School Talk 44 16,158 02-12-2017, 12:48 PM
  Thread: I hate my generation (Rant)
Post: I hate my generation (Rant)

I think the short answer is that people don't have an inspiring vision for what to do instead. Maybe there's some way to change that?
xcriteria School Talk 10 7,331 02-12-2017, 12:33 PM
  Thread: My School Survival account
Post: My School Survival account

Keep your account and come back whenever you feel like it. :) Anything interesting you've found elsewhere you want to share?
xcriteria General Talk 5 2,388 12-11-2016, 07:12 PM
  Thread: What to do if you hate school [WIP]
Post: RE: What to do if you hate school [WIP]

Yeah, let's get some outreach going! Reddit sounds like a good place. (12-08-2016 07:22 AM)SoulRiser Wrote:  That'd make sense if anyone ever actually edited the wiki. This may be more likely ...
xcriteria School Talk 5 6,844 12-11-2016, 06:32 PM
  Thread: Alliance for Self-directed Education: new website and interview
Post: Alliance for Self-directed Education: new website ...

The Alliance for Self-directed Education (ASDE) is a new organization founded by Peter Gray and a large team of allies including the team from his other site Alternatives to School.. "The Alliance fo...
xcriteria Alternative Learning & Income 2 3,505 12-11-2016, 05:59 PM
  Thread: Bank accounts for people under 18, free from parental control
Post: Bank accounts for people under 18, free from paren...

Depending on the purpose, a prepaid debit card may work instead of a traditional bank account. Sometimes these have a monthly fee and/or some kind of fee to reload, but they can be used online or in ...
xcriteria Youth Rights 9 4,338 11-30-2016, 06:17 PM
  Thread: How to get back at the system?
Post: RE: How to get back at the system?

(11-25-2016 09:28 PM)Falk Wrote:  Those links are quite interesting btw, do you happen to have more? I have tons of links on related topics, just a question of how many and what kind you'd like...
xcriteria School Talk 19 5,788 11-26-2016, 07:47 PM
  Thread: How to get back at the system?
Post: How to get back at the system?

I think the best thing to do is get involved in spreading the word about alternatives to school and help create more alternatives and help people learn that school is optional. Really, it's parents w...
xcriteria School Talk 19 5,788 11-25-2016, 06:50 AM
  Thread: NYC-area alternatives to school: Dida Academy, Agile Learning Center and more
Post: NYC-area alternatives to school: Dida Academy, Agi...

For anyone who is in or near New York City, there are several in-person alternatives to school you might want to look into and discuss with your parents if you aren't happy in traditional school or yo...
xcriteria Alternative Learning & Income 0 3,036 11-25-2016, 05:29 AM
  Thread: ASDE News #6, Education Liberation: A message for students oppressed by school
Post: ASDE News #6, Education Liberation: A message for ...

By Danielle Levine, from Peter Gray's new organization, the Alliance for Self-Directed Learning. Danielle is a lawyer specializing in children's rights and the co-founder of Dida Academy in Brooklyn,...
xcriteria Youth Rights 3 2,763 11-25-2016, 05:14 AM
  Thread: Mom HATES me
Post: Mom HATES me

Lucas, this is really terrible to hear :( Similar in ways to the ways many parents respond but way more extreme than what I usually hear about. I'm just catching up on the forums after being away fo...
xcriteria Youth Rights 7 4,383 11-25-2016, 05:06 AM
  Thread: Researching for my Book
Post: Researching for my Book

I'm curious how it's going too. I'd be happy to help -- there are certainly various people doing things that totally do away with the traditional model of school, but so few people know about them. ...
xcriteria Alternative Learning & Income 4 2,799 10-16-2016, 12:17 AM
  Thread: Why am I here? or Why I am here?
Post: Why am I here? or Why I am here?

Late response here, but welcome -- I am currently catching up on the forums but I've been pretty inactive over the past year; I want to change that. The idea of doing a YouTube video about education ...
xcriteria Welcome! 9 5,095 08-29-2016, 11:33 AM
  Thread: How School Should Work
Post: RE: How School Should Work

(08-28-2016 12:56 PM)the Analogist Wrote:  xcriteria, please look over my Three Catetory System and my musings. You seem more senior to me with a good amount of thought under your belt. Hardly a...
xcriteria Youth Rights 17 6,817 08-29-2016, 12:36 AM
  Thread: How School Should Work
Post: How School Should Work

Yeah, I'd say take a look further outside of the box, like Hansgrohe said. My vision of how school should be as a baseline is more like voluntarily-attended learning centers, that have space and staf...
xcriteria Youth Rights 17 6,817 08-28-2016, 12:12 PM
  Thread: BOYINABAND IS BACK!
Post: BOYINABAND IS BACK!

It's really encouraging to see this new alt education video hit 1 million views on FB -- though "just" 180,000 so far on YouTube. Either way these are large numbers and it's just the beginning if he ...
xcriteria School Talk 6 3,467 08-28-2016, 06:37 AM
  Thread: BOYINABAND IS BACK!
Post: BOYINABAND IS BACK!

Thanks for sharing this! It's an awesome video, and it's good to see he's back. (08-24-2016 06:00 AM)Username Wrote:  Who? YouTuber who made this video last year that went viral and generated...
xcriteria School Talk 6 3,467 08-24-2016, 08:08 AM
  Thread: How to make a difference in my local school district?
Post: How to make a difference in my local school distri...

I'd like to help if there's any way I can, even just with ideas and maybe helping connect you to others who could help. If you can get various parties together who want to see change, including some ...
xcriteria General Talk 7 2,674 08-14-2016, 08:21 PM
  Thread: Lost my Sense of Fulfilment
Post: Lost my Sense of Fulfilment

Acetrainer, what are your plans or ideas for life after high school? Depending on your circumstances, it could be worth it to drop out and just get on with your life (whether that includes work, coll...
xcriteria School Talk 16 5,863 08-14-2016, 01:06 AM
  Thread: School Survival Instagram Account
Post: School Survival Instagram Account

Sounds good to me.
xcriteria School Survival Network 41 6,822 08-14-2016, 12:53 AM
  Thread: School Survival on Reddit
Post: School Survival on Reddit

I think this is a really good idea, the more places School Survival is, the better. A lot of people prefer various sites (like Reddit) so that's the best way to reach them.
xcriteria School Survival Network 39 14,093 08-14-2016, 12:52 AM
  Thread: Instead of Education
Post: Instead of Education

Definitely worth reading and discussing... John Holt coined the term Unschooling and played a big role in helping many families choose learning without school. Here's an excerpt from the documentary ...
xcriteria School Talk 2 1,970 05-29-2016, 10:13 AM
  Thread: I need help with school
Post: I need help with school

School really isn't the best place for many of us to learn. I didn't learn well in school at all, and eventually persuaded my parents to let me drop out. I've learned far more outside of school than...
xcriteria Psychology - Life, Love & Learning 10 2,585 05-29-2016, 10:05 AM
  Thread: Support School Survival on Patreon
Post: Support School Survival on Patreon

Yeah, I've been meaning to jump back in here, way too much time has passed. This caught my attention. :) By the way everyone, you can become a Patron and pledge $0/month... it's one way to show ...
xcriteria Announcements 16 10,677 03-21-2016, 01:36 PM
  Thread: Support School Survival on Patreon
Post: Support School Survival on Patreon

Awesome! I hope this goes well; in addition to people here maybe others who get it could contribute.
xcriteria Announcements 16 10,677 03-21-2016, 09:16 AM

Contact Us | School Survival | Return to Top | Return to Content | Mobile Version | RSS Syndication