This class size is possible because the children stay with the same teacher for three to six years. Although the teacher plans lessons for each child for each day, she will bow to the interests of a child following a passion. For example history, art, music, math, astronomy, biology, geology, physics, and chemistry are not isolated from each other and a child studies them in any order he chooses, moving through all in a unique way for each child. Ideally, there are two 3-hour, uninterrupted, work periods each day, not broken up by required group lessons or lessons by specialists. Adults and children respect concentration and do not interrupt someone who is busy at a task.
Groups form spontaneously.
Assessment is by portfolio and the teacher's observation and record keeping. The test of whether or not the system is working lies in the accomplishment and behavior of the children, their happiness, maturity, kindness, and love of learning and work. There are no curriculum requirements except those set by the state, or college entrance requirements, for specific grades and these take a minimum amount of time. Students design 1-2 week contracts with the teacher to balance their work, and to become responsible for their own time management and education. The work of the 6-12 class includes subjects usually not introduced until high school.