Important Reminders
- Now Enrolling for Fall 2025
- Spring Term Starts – April 9th
- View Our 2024-2025 Academic Calendar
- Join An Open House
- Explore our articles
- Donate to our Scholarship fund
THE PEARL
A Remote Democratic High School
Mission: Providing international high school students an online democratic education that balances personal and social interests to become informed, competent, and involved citizens in a safe anti-racist environment.
Vision: Revolutionize education by preparing young people to create a more just, sustainable, and equitable world. We are committed to making democratic education accessible to students who have been marginalized in traditional schools.
Why The Pearl?
Discover The Pearl – A 501(c)(3) non-profit that fosters inclusive education and customized learning Plans
Even before the COVID-19 crisis, many teens were left behind in the traditional educational system due to factors like socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender identity, and learning styles. This often leads to marginalization and a negative impact on their long-term quality of life. The Pearl, however, offers an innovative approach to education that fosters community and embraces inclusion.
An Approach to Education that Values Student Input
At The Pearl, students share control of their learning environment, including rules, curriculum, and learning methods. This approach gives them a stake in their classes, resulting in higher engagement in their classrooms and communities. Additionally, our focus on equitable opportunities for participation promotes a culture of validation, where every voice is heard and respected. This creates a dynamic learning environment that builds a sense of community and brings out students’ cooperative nature.
Customized Learning Plans to Fit Your Family’s Needs
Our school offers a 21st century approach to learning that emphasizes freedom and choice. As a home-school partnership, we work with families to create a customized educational plan that fits their needs. Students have the flexibility to explore single courses or participate in all the courses we offer.
Building Critical Thinking Skills and Autonomy
Our approach to learning results in students becoming excited about education and developing critical thinking skills. The freedom to make choices and take control of their education promotes a sense of autonomy, self-management, and independence. With small classes of only 10 students, our teachers are active partners with students, empowering them to follow their interests and discover their potential.
Experience the Difference at The Pearl School
The Pearl School offers an evidence-based and inclusive approach to education that fosters a love for learning and critical thinking. With a focus on student autonomy, small class sizes, and partnership with families, our students are equipped to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
We currently have students in Canada, the United States, México, El Salvador, and Jamaica.
The ultimate “test of a democratic education is the difference it makes in the lives of students and the community to which they belong”
(Pearl & Knight, 1999).
Important Announcements
Youth Want a Democratic Education
“We need to rebuild our schools from the ground up with the democratic classroom in mind. This would increase the positive outcomes of education for…



Student Projects
We're so proud of the brilliant and creative work of our students! Every term, students put together special projects to show what they've learned. Check out more of their work on our student showcase page.
General Information
Online Classes at The Pearl High School: Fall 2022
At the Pearl, we help homeschool parents set up a hybrid-education structure for their teens. This spring we are offering 9 unique hybrid-homeschooling classes for…
Online Classes at The Pearl High School: Spring 2022
At the Pearl, we help homeschool parents set up a hybrid-education structure for their teens. This spring we are offering 9 unique hybrid-homeschooling classes for…
Student Rights and Responsibilities
When we founded The Pearl, we started off with no rules. When we asked students if they thought we needed any, they said no. Within…
A Letter From Our Scholarship Recipient
At The Pearl, we are very grateful to be able to offer financial aid to several of our students. This is thanks to the generosity…
Learn the Art You Want To – Online Visual Arts Classes
All About Our Contemporary Visual Arts Class Join us as we explore visual arts for the 21st century! In this contemporary art class, students are…
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students – Creating a Safe Space at School
At The Pearl, we strive every day to create a safe and supportive space for students to thrive. This means actively supporting our LGBTQ students…
9 Hybrid-Homeschooling Classes for Teens: Fall 2021
ENROLL NOW Our Classes Mutations: Magic Realism in Literature – Online Literature Class Monday and Wednesday from 1:30pm-3:00pm Central / 11:30pm-1:00pm Pacific In magical realism…
The Power of Student Choice – Foundations of Democratic Learning
During this course, students will work on creating their individualized educational plan and learn about what it means to study at a democratic high school.…
Thank you to the Campbell foundation
We are honored to have received a $10,000 donation from The Campbell Foundation in honor of our board member Rachel Pearl. This generous donation will…