Since it began in 1970 as a small alternative school in a well-off section of the city, Crefeld has gone through several crises of identity and leadership. But the last several years have seen it narrow and deepen its purpose and methods, guided by Essential School principles and by the compelling needs of its students. But their emotional problems are usually school-related. At Crefeld they encounter a new system that puts less emphasis on convention and more on coming to understanding in whatever ways work best for a particular student. The same teacher-adviser provides academic and personal guidance throughout each student's career, helping with everything from coursework to college plans.
Class size averages eight students.
And though students must do considerable reading, writing, and thinking here, Crefeld organizes curriculum simply, to be as responsive as possible to a student's individual needs. An advanced calculus student, Tony tutors algebra daily to a Crefeld midddle-schooler who is ahead of her class, and twice a week he and six schoolmates travel to the central city to help younger kids with math. The school keeps track of student progress in equally individual ways. They reflect in writing on their own lives, goals, and learning styles. And they conduct a formal scientific study of a topic that concerns the community, then present a report or proposal to an agency with power to effect change on the issue.