School must be balanced. If it ceases to be fun the children will lose real interest. If it doesn't provide enough meaty academic challenge the children will not only be bored but also academically disadvantaged when they try to get into a good high school. The key to success is having excellent, committed, open-minded staff who are willing to try new ways of doing things. Teachers must also recognize the various learning styles different children have and be willing to make the effort to be flexible in order to meet their needs.
Staff are the very heart and soul of the school.
My own personal experience is the best way to really know someone's personal standards is to hire them to substitute. All the wonderful non- Unificationist teachers at New Hope were originally subs. I have found that beyond the credentials and the experience the people who make the best teachers are those who are deeply grounded in their religion, have a deep personal relationship with God and are truly living His values. It simple doesn't matter of which faith they are members. Individuals, regardless of their credentials, who lack a deep personal relationship with God and a strong prayer life will not be good models or teachers.