Matrix, an unstructured high school, established itself Sept. 1 at 6153 Pershing, in a building formerly used as a fraternity house. Core teachers, who live in the building, are Geri Snarrenberg, Jack Flynn, Alex Bornstein, and Fred Schmelzer, all accredited teachers. Enrollment is presently 30 students.
The philosophy at Matrix, adapted from the writings of A. S. Neill and others prominent in the free school movement, is basically this: that the student will learn and retain more if he is not forced to follow a set curriculum, but allowed to follow his own interests. Consequently, there are no required courses and the student is not forced to attend school every day. The student is allowed to decide what subjects he wishes to learn and to shape his own educational destiny. Should the core teachers be unfamiliar with or unable to instruct him in a particular area of study, the student may avail himself of the school’s resource index, in which are listed possible ways in which to follow up his chosen subject.
Whether or not you agree with its methods, Matrix represents a growing trend in American education, an alternative to the rigid authoritarianism of the public school systems.
Originally published in The Paper, November 1971.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1971_11.pdf, printed page 6.
