Limited Places for September 2026
Before, it used to be a struggle to get my child to go to school every morning. Since changing to Midhe democratic school my child sets his alarm so he isn’t late and is excited to go to school everyday. Switching to Midhe was such a good decision for us.
Our daughter is six years old and started in Midhe Democratic School in January 2026 on a trial basis.
Since starting in Midhe, she has transformed from a girl who was simultaneously stressed, anxious, bored and without real friendships her own age, who dreaded going back to school after a holiday or midterm into a confident, outgoing, constantly happy kid, who loves her new school, has made solid friends already and always has new stories to tell us.
Within a week of the trial, it was clear to us that she wanted to stay in Midhe and that it would be great for her development. She learns new things every day, plays with friends, gets on really well with the parents running the school and looks forward to school every morning and after every weekend.
We are overjoyed with her experience in Midhe and would not hesitate to recommend the school to other parents who want something better for their child than the usual Irish school education.
The changes in my children's joy, sense of agency and returning excitement for learning is palpable in our house. School is no longer boring or stressful!
They are learning how to truly listen and respect different views and needs, they are finding their passions and interests again and feeling empowered to pursue them.
The Midhe team are respectul, informed and resourced in supporting young people to direct their own learning and provide them with the cultural container that supports their full development as people, in a changing world.
I hope your well, firstly I can’t thank you enough for how you have changed my sons quality of life hence giving us back a happy family.
Our son was truly struggling in the traditional school setting, every day was a battle to try and get him to school. We observed that his individuality and passion for life was demolishing before our eyes which was heartbreaking. We tried working with the school however were not successful in improving the situation for him, his world seemed to be getting smaller and smaller as he became more isolated, stating he feels stupid, alone and not accepted within school.
As parents we decided that we could no longer expose him to these circumstances and agreed to home school him, however always kept an eye out for other options. We heard about Midhe Democratic school and explored the ethos of the school, wow it was just amazing it felt like we finally aligned with others. From the moment we explored the school, talked to the leaders, received emails and attended an open evening we felt friendship, mutual respect and such positivity.
On the first day that he arrived at school he was met by Kate (leader) and other children who invited him in, welcoming him with beaming smiles and lots of chatter, I barely got a good bye. When I collected him he was full of fun stories from the day, talking about all of his new friends, how cool the mentors are, what amazing plans they are making, ah it was joy to our ears.
The next day he woke with a bad headache and sinus pain but he said 'even if my leg is hanging off I am going to school' and he jumped up and got ready, asking at 7.30am if it was time to go. Everyday we have waited for some sign that he doesn't want to attend- old habits and experiences are hard for us to forget, however everyday he wakes early and is delighted to share his exciting plans for the day. He has even commenced learning how to play the electric guitar and joined a new school band.
We could never express how much we appreciate the mentors and school, we have our bright, talented and caring boy back who is looking forward to the bright future surrounded by positivity, creative learning and friendship.
If anyone ever finds themselves debating what is best for their children's education and future I would highly recommend them to get in touch with the school, there is no such thing as a 'silly question' everyone is so happy to review options.
When I asked my child what his favourite thing about Midhe is, he couldn’t decide. He said he likes it all!