It is essential that students have the time and opportunity to discover their interests, talents, and personal approach to learning. At our School, students are completely responsible for determining the course of each day and what, if any, studies they will pursue. They have complete freedom in determining whether they study independently, with a mentor, or with a small group. Apprenticeships are arranged by those interested in working with "masters" in particular fields in the larger community. All classes are student initiated, and anyone with expertise in a field, student or staff, may act as the class's moderator or instructor. When a class is planned, the participants agree on frequency of meeting, length of course, instructional format, and type of assignment. The relationship between a "teacher" and students is contractual; if either party does not meet its obligations, the class can be terminated. There is no grading or other formal evaluation; the development of critical self-evaluation is more important. Organized class size rarely exceeds 7 or 8.
