Ground which forms the key to
three contiguous states, so that he who occupies it first has most of the
Empire at his command, is a ground of intersecting highways. -Sun Tzu
Interchange
is the principle of the logo and name of this school, the bringing together of
two highways and the bringing together of multiple domains and disciplines.
Interchange allows the formation of superior minds and morals, which is the
goal of scholarship.
The
school is founded on several key principles:
1.
By improving the convenience to
parents, the scholars can be better raised. For some
parents, they wish to rise early, so the school is open early. For some, they may work late, so the school
is open late. Parents may work during
the winter, spring, and summer breaks, so school is open year round. School is not open on weekends. There is no daycare, but there are open study
courses and playtime, etc. Since families may take a vacation at anytime, the
school must be completely flexible to make this work for the scholars. We do
not provide daycare, but not all courses are demanding. Also, as parents spend a great deal of effort
as taxi drivers, we wish to integrate that operation by including such things
as scouting, sports, play dates, language school, and music training at the
school. Furthermore, we wish to pick up
and deliver scholars to the homes or to nearby centers in order to provide
convenience to the parents. As they are
released from the tasks of driving their children about, they will provide a
more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere in the home, which will improve the lives
and destinies of the scholars.
2.
Scholars are not to be held back
on account of age, nor are they to be pushed due to age.
That is not to say that scholars cannot or should not be pushed, only
that they should not be pushed according to age. Accordingly, as much as possible, classes
will be designed such that any scholar can join the class, providing they have
required skills to do so. Classes will
have entrance exams and pre-requisite classes rather than grade levels.
3.
Communal mealtime is encouraged,
particularly around lunch. Scholars may bring their own food, but, in as
far as possible, it is preferred that the scholars eat together the food served
by table.
4.
Uniforms improve the cohesion of
the school. Every day, the scholar knows what to
wear. The clothes do not become a point
of contention, ridicule, or distraction to other scholars.
5.
We provide an environment similar
to a working environment. Scholars are expected to work together and
help each other at all times.
Productivity is the hallmark of an effective scholar.
6.
Class size varies. Some classes may focus on
individual instruction, or a small group of ten or less. Other classes may have hundreds of scholars
at a time. Each scholar is expected to have a mix of small and large classes.
7.
Classes are by menu.
As is commonly the case in college, individual courses are offered, and
scholars sign up for them. Each class
has its own cost. Furthermore, there is
a cost of matriculation.
8.
Each student will have a mentor. Mentors will be drawn from upper classes, when
possible. This mentor will help the
student make the ordinary decisions of scholarly life. Helping others is the core value of
Interchange Practical School. Students
are expected to help each other. Upon
satisfactory completion of a course, a scholar is expected to be available to
assist other students in that course.
Scholarship is not selfish.
9.
Grading
is only by exam. Hard work is only
useful to the degree it confers understanding.
Frequent, small examinations will be held in most classes. In addition, there will be a final exam. The final exam will be one half the grade. Students are
encouraged to repeat a course as often as they wish. The best grade is kept on their transcript.
10. Comprehensive
exams and administrative evaluations are useful for parents to evaluate
progress. Comprehensive exams are to be given each
semester. In addition, a scholar’s
review will be given each semester. These
are for the use of the parents.
11. Instructors
are responsible and independent.
Instructors will be paid according to the success of their classes. They are given latitude in setting fees,
material, and style. However, all
classes must comply with the principles of Interchange Practical School, and
must fill needs in Interchange Practical School.
12. The
role of parents is sacred in a way which transcends religion. The parents set the schedule and
have complete authority as to where they send the scholars, inasmuch as the
scholars meet the requirements of admission to the classes. Parents are encouraged to come to an
agreement with the scholars, but that, too, is up to the parents. In addition, parents are encouraged to get
guidance from the administration regarding a suggested course of study, but,
again, the final decision is always left to the parents.
13. Discipline
problems are not permitted. An unruly scholar cannot continue. Any misbehavior may be grounds for
expulsion. A disciplinary board must
weigh the cost to other scholars of unruly students.
14. Parents
and the community are responsible for the training of scholars.
Therefore, we encourage volunteer service. A list of needed positions which can be
filled by volunteers will be provided, and parents are encouraged to let us
know when they think they can be of particular use. Scholars chosen by volunteers will receive
reduced tuition. Volunteers serve at the
pleasure of the administration. If their
service is no longer advantageous to the school, then the volunteer is
released.
15. Donations
are encouraged above and beyond tuition. Tuition will
recover only a part of the expense of operations, and it is hoped that most
parents will be able to donate significantly more. However, scholarships are generally
discouraged. We have a particular
Vendor/Client relationship, and feel that scholarships interfere with this
relationship. This is not a strict rule,
however, and exceptions are possible.
16. Success
is best measured in retrospect. To the degree that our school has brought
fruit to the life of our scholars, we encourage them to continue a life-long
financial commitment to the school. We
view this feedback as a vital part of our Vendor/Client relationship.
17. School
should not interfere with the tranquility of home life.
Most courses will have significant work to be done outside class. This can be done at home, of course, but it
is expected that it will be done in study periods at school. This is the ideal environment, in that the
instructors are present, other students are present, and upperclassmen, who have completed this course, already are present, and all
are willing to help. Parents who wish to
be involved are encouraged to volunteer to help in open study.
18. All
scholars are tracked at all times.
We will always know where each scholar is. We expect to do this by iris
scan. Administrators and parents can
always know where the scholar is. In
general, we expect scholars to explore.
19. Parents
are always welcome to view the classrooms. Most
classrooms will have a camera with audio which is available online to
parents.
20. Interchange
Practical School is open to all.
Interchange Practical is registered as a private school, and that is the system
that will satisfy some parents. We can
also work as an after school program, a vacation program, a supplement to home
schooled scholars, or whatever other educational needs a family has.
A successful scholar and a tranquil home are the
goals of this demanding and fulfilling school.
On the ground of intersecting
highways, join hands with your allies.
-Sun Tzu