Sudbury schools are run by a participatory democracy. Each student and each staff has equal representation and an equal vote in the weekly School Meeting. This meeting makes all of the day-to-day decisions necessary to run the school. It is chaired by a student and is run like to a town hall meeting. All the policies and procedures of the school, including rules of behavior, use of resources, staff hiring are determined by debate and vote at the School Meeting. There is no principal, no higher authority, and no veto power.

Responsibility and freedom intersect in the Judicial Committee (JC). This body consists of 3 students, a staff member and an elected clerk. Each age group is represented. The JC has the responsibility of ensuring that the School Meeting's laws and policies are followed. This body resolves issues through investigation, charges, and sentences. There are thorough reports, motions, and pleas. Students have responsibility to this body through membership, testimony, and honesty.