The time spent varies with the age of the children, ranging from very little in Kindergarten to about one to one and a half hours daily in the upper grades. Parents are expected to provide a suitable place and time management. Some assignments are designed to be done with an adult, such as a family interview or a math game. Teachers showcase the unique contributions of each member of a class, and emphasize deferring judgment and accepting differences. Cooperative problem solving in all areas of the curriculum allows students to teach and learn from one another.
Teachers work closely with parents to encourage budding friendships among classmates.
Values and moral issues are given center stage, and we talk a great deal about fairness and right and wrong. St. Mary's, Berkeley High's CASS Program, Maybeck and Lick Wilmerding in San Francisco.