Students who complete a Sudbury education are independent. They are responsible for themselves and responsible for their community. They are passionate and articulate. Through their independence they know what they want to do with their lives and are focused on accomplishing their goals. Through the responsibility and trust given to them they are self confident and able to accomplish those goals. When a student applies to college or a job and shows this level of independence, responsibility and self-confidence, they have an outstanding chance of acceptance. They have a chance above those who are just taking the next step simply because it is deemed important by society.

Instead of passing a standardized test to receive a diploma, students of HVSS must prepare and defend a thesis in order to receive our Certificate of Graduation. The topic of the thesis is "How I have prepared myself to be an effective adult in the larger community". A study performed by the Sudbury Valley School shows that 82% of their graduates pursued formal study after graduation. Those who did not pursue formal studies felt that they were ready to go directly into their chosen field of work.

Whether graduates of Sudbury schools choose to go to Oxford University, The Culinary Institute of America, Hampshire College or travel, master a craft, or take time to discover further passions, they have proven what is possible when a school is based on trust. They learn to trust themselves and they learn that they are responsible for their own lives and decisions.