One of our greatest discoveries is that being a small school is very effective for creating vibrant, participatory, democratic individuals. Here, we value autonomy and self-responsibility, two other conditions necessary in our view to the development of good citizens. 

         This is not to be confused with obedience in fulfilling solitary tasks assigned by others. Instead, this refers to self-determination the ability to predict consequences, set goals and make practical decisions to carry out those goals, to organize their time and materials, to accept accountability for their actions, and to alter their behaviour and make amends when their previous decisions misfired. In order for children to learn how to be autonomous and self-directed, they need practice.

       They need chances to make decisions, complete with the freedom to analyze the resultant consequences and to make adjustments in their behaviour in response to this new understanding. Young people need to be allowed to engage with dignity in this process of failure. We learn from experiences that cause pain as well as those that cause comfort. At our school, we keep this in mind in our daily interactions with each other being gentle and understanding throughout.

                                                                                                                                         -Dr. (Mrs.) V. B. Akintoye