As described in Book 3 of the "Ringing Cedars Series", the school of alternative education of academician Michail Petrovich Schetinin exists in Russia, near the city of Gelendjik, beside the Black Sea. One of the key differences between Schetinin's School and the schools under the board of education is the speed at which the students gain new knowledge and hands on experience. On average a student can complete an entire school curriculum in under two years. Apart from the knowledge, most students are well skilled in Martial Arts, singing, dancing, cooking, construction and more. Everything in the school is built, decorated and maintained by students. Most of the classes are run by children themselves and new innovative concepts of teaching are constantly developed.