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Keynote Speakers

Pat Farenga 
“Schooling as Social Ritual: Reclaiming Public Spaces for Learning and Friendship”

Patrick Farenga is a trailblazer in homeschooling and unschooling. Deeply connected to the legacy of the renowned educator John Holt, Farenga's journey is marked by his unwavering commitment to empowering learners.
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John Holt founded Growing Without Schooling magazine in 1977, a seminal publication that ushered in a radical shift in perceptions of education beyond the confines of traditional school settings. Pat joined GWS in 1981 and, following Holt's passing in 1985, Farenga assumed the mantle of leadership, shepherding the magazine through a transformative era until it ceased publication in 2001.
 
Farenga's contributions span a diverse array of genres, from speeches, books, and articles to videos, enriching the discourse on homeschooling and unschooling. Noteworthy publications include entries in esteemed references such as the International Encyclopedia of Education and the online edition of Encyclopedia Britannica.
 
Farenga preserves and disseminates Holt's works, ensuring that his revolutionary ideas continue to shape the educational landscape for generations to come. Recent titles such as Teach Your Own (Hachette, 2021), the reprinting of Holt’s book What Do I Do Monday (Sentient, 2025) and Growing Without Schooling, Vol. 6 (HoltGWS, 2025) exemplify Farenga's ongoing commitment to advancing self-directed and child-centered learning practices. By celebrating the profound legacy of John Holt and championing a new era of educational innovation, Farenga invites individuals to embark on a transformative journey of discovery and growth, paving the way for a more inclusive and empowering educational future.
Peter Gray, Ph.D.
Restoring Childhood: What is a biologically normal childhood, and how can we allow our children to live it in today's world?

Peter Gray, a research professor at Boston College, is the author of Free to Learn (Basic Books) and Psychology (Worth Publishers, a college textbook now in its 8th edition). He has conducted and published research in neuroendocrinology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He did his undergraduate study at Columbia University and earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences at Rockefeller University. His current research and writing focus primarily on children's natural ways of learning and the life-long value of play. He a founding member of the nonprofit Alliance for Self-Directed Education and a founding board member of the nonprofit Let Grow. His own play includes not only his research and writing, but also long distance bicycling, kayaking, back-woods skiing, and vegetable gardening.
Mikel Matisso
Learning Democracy? A Perspective from the Sudbury Valley School
Mikel Matisoo was exposed to a wide variety of educational approaches while growing up, attending public, private and Department of Defense schools in California, Hawaii and Japan.  He taught high school science and math in New York City for 2 years before coming to the Sudbury Valley School in 1988.

 
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