Questions we're often asked

Children learn constantly — through projects, conversations, play and direct experimentation, not only when tested. We don't measure learning through grades; we support it through real engagement: a terrarium built from scratch, a working electric circuit made with a coil and magnets, a relief map modelled in plasticine. Facilitators follow each child's participation daily and communicate regularly with parents, but we don't produce a “performance” report — because we don't compare children with each other.

This is by far the question we get most often — and it's completely legitimate. Research in recent years shows that students from self-directed learning environments adapt to traditional structures, as a rule, within weeks or months. There will be gaps to catch up on, just as for any student switching one type of school for another — but learning a new structure takes far less time than unlearning the fear of making mistakes that the traditional system often instils.

We don't avoid risk at all costs — we manage it with common sense. We let children use kitchen knives, glue guns for projects, climb trees — because banning these experiences entirely lowers their self-confidence. What we don't accept are major injuries or reckless behaviour. Children are never alone for long — we are a small group, almost always together — and facilitators step in immediately where needed.

We take elements from several directions without strictly following any of them. From Montessori we keep respect for each child's own pace. From Waldorf, the value of art, stories and daily rhythm. We add frequent outings into nature, real-world projects, and — a central element — the child's freedom to choose their daily activities. We are not accredited as an educational alternative (Montessori, Waldorf etc. have that legal status); we operate as an independent educational centre — a conscious choice, not a shortcoming.

We welcome children from age 5, split into two groups: ages 5-9 and 10-14. We don't rule out older ages if there is enough interest from a group — write to us to discuss your specific situation.

The day starts at 9:30 with a group meeting where children propose what they want to do. Then come activities — some proposed by facilitators, others initiated by the children — until the shared lunch at 11:30. The afternoon continues similarly, up to reflection and preparing the space. See the full hour-by-hour schedule →

There is no enrollment fee — you only pay the program fee. Programs are flexible — from one day a week up to five; short or full day. The price varies with the number of days and the type of program. See the complete fees →

We start with a direct meeting with the parents, where we explain how we work. If our principles resonate with you, we sign an educational contract, with a trial period of up to one month included. See the full process →

It's possible, and that's fine. School of Joy works democratically — the community's rules are set together with the children and may not always coincide with home rules. We can't guarantee the automatic application of family rules in our space, but we are always open to a conversation.

Two main facilitators, who rotate daily — and who are themselves parents of children in the community. Every week, we also collaborate with external facilitators for arts, music or natural sciences — we always choose people genuinely passionate about what they teach.

Generally, if schools in Cluj close because of weather or a state of emergency, we do the same. Being a small centre, though, we have more flexibility — we always let you know directly, through our communication channels.