Vivere assumes that everyone is unique and has potential. Secondary education is based on the principles of democratic education, namely self-directed learning and equality.
Within the frameworks and expectations that exist, students learn to deal with freedom and responsibility. They are guided, supported and challenged in their cognitive, physical and social-emotional development based on trust.
Student Autonomy: At Vivere, students largely decide their own daily schedule. There are no traditional classes, tests, or fixed curricula; instead, the school adapts to the interests of the students.
Daily Structure: The day begins and ends with a circle time where students discuss plans for the day. They use a planning board to organize their activities, which can include subjects like bushcraft, sports, or preparing their own lessons.
Learning Environment: The school is divided into different "sections" (under, middle, upper primary, and secondary education) but without rigid class structures, allowing for mixed-age interaction.
Learning Spaces: Unique areas like a kitchen, tech-lab, and crafts room are available, encouraging hands-on learning. Books are emphasized as key sources of information rather than digital devices.
Screen Time Policy: Unlike some democratic schools, Vivere limits screen time, enforcing a more "undemocratic" policy regarding mobile phone use to prevent excessive digital distraction.
Operational Schedule: The school operates for 51 weeks a year with students having 60 vacation days to schedule as they see fit, though there are fixed school hours for certain days.
Focus on Passion: The core philosophy is to help students follow their passions rather than a prescribed educational path. This includes allowing students to choose whether to take an end-of-year test, which is more about preparing for potential transitions to other schools.
Learning Evaluation: Instead of traditional testing, Vivere uses reflection periods every three months to assess progress towards individual learning goals, fostering a more personalized educational experience.
This approach contrasts significantly with traditional education systems, focusing on personalization, student choice, and the pursuit of passion over conventional academic benchmarks.