School Structure-A Learning Matrix

The Ark is a Learning Matrix. By this we mean that we are learning by 
relating many ways with many people in many places. We believe that 
learning is something that extends beyond the classroom, beyond the 
school, and throughout our lifetime. We are trying to make our school 
continually more open, free flowing, and connected with real life 
situations.

We break down much of the traditional isolation between teacher and 
student. Everyone here is learning so we are all students. The Ark is 
ungraded. Students are not expected to be at the same level
as their peers in all their classes.
Students evaluate teachers and themselves. We give written evaluations 
instead of grades. All of our students have choices among the classes
they take, and may be in classes with older or younger peers. High 
school students select their courses and course loads based on what they 
want and the state requirements for graduation. Students teach
courses and help each other in others. Our courses are determined each 
semester by a curriculum survey given to the the students.
Many of the decisions and rules are determined in our weekly "town 
meeting" Students help in typing, office work, running benefit dances, 
cleaning, etc. We have professionaly trained and experienced people 
leading several group interactions during the week. This and the 
continual flux of volunteers and visitors, our work study program, and 
field trips help make us a true "learning matrix"