In addition, if a student shows a special interest or talent for a particular subject, he or she is encouraged to take on more advanced work, either through university course work, or by independent study. Students are afforded many opportunities to demonstrate their ability to work independently, and once they have done so, have even greater freedom to design their own work and seek out additional mentors in the community. Class sizes rarely exceed 15 students. This allows teachers greater freedom to teach challenging material while assuring that if a student needs individual attention, he or she can get it. It also allows teachers to set individual standards for students rather than following a grade-level norm or exterior guideline.
Students have the same teachers over the course of their high school career.
These teachers also serve as the students' counselors. This long-term and multifaceted relationship inspires a sense of community both in and out of the classroom, and it is the core ethos of the High School. Students participate in all aspects of governance in the High School, and we believe that our school community thrives when we strive toward consensus. Learning comes naturally to people throughout their lives, and we strive to help our students discover the intrinsic rewards of curiosity, persistence, and commitment to the endeavors they seek to accomplish. Attendance or daily contact is required.