Lyons 6th. A “democratic school” where children choose their schedule
The Nikola Tesla school is the first democratic school in Lyon. It is located in the 6and district of Lyon, rue de Créqui, and allows children, in particular in, to find their way back to school with adapted lessons.
In a large storefront room, about fifteen preteens play video games, bake a coconut cake in the kitchen or chat loudly. It’s not a summer camp, but the Nikola Tesla School.
Founded in 2015, it is the first democratic school in Lyon, installed in these premises at 6and since last school year. No students sitting in rows or dictating at this off-contract alternative school, kids ages 8-18 are free to do whatever they want.
“We want to free them from the oppressive system imposed by adults in which they don’t have the choice of their time or don’t have the right to speak. Why couldn’t children be as free as adults? », points out Cédric, one of the three supervisors who oversee the school, who was formerly an English-French translator. For their part, Sylvia and Maëlys are both graduates in education sciences.
Fight school phobia
A large part of the 20 young people registered here have faced problems in their schooling. Arthur, 12 years old, “was too bored” ; Swane, 13, developed “a school phobia in 5and » ; and Alicia, 16, “always had a blockage” and homeschooling since CM1.
Without courses or programs, there is no diploma. The question of their future professional integration may therefore arise. “It’s far from being utopian or disconnected from reality,Swipe Cedric, we will give them time to think about what they like, find their place in society and regain their confidence. »Children stay as long as they wish and can join a school course at any time “more classic”. Moreover, three of them are preparing their French baccalaureate as a free candidate.
Alicia, she has decided to pass her Bafa and will soon start a scene in a stable. “When I arrived, I was super withdrawn. Today, I feel that I have more personality”, confides the teenager who joined the school at the start of the 2020 school year. of commissions. On the wall, between the drawings and the posters, the rules of procedure apply over the weeks. “We also teach them to live together”, emphasizes Cédric. Recently, everyone agreed to share more fairly the painful task
dishes.
To a new place
First installed in the 3and district, the Nikola Tesla School will be changing location for the third time, as the space is too small and not suited to everyone’s activities. A place in the 7and borough would have been spotted. The whole school is mobilizing to raise funds and finance this move. Indeed, the establishment out of contract does not have any subsidy and holds only with the money of the families. Depending on income, it is necessary to count from 250 to 600 euros per month and per child.