If he yearns for horticulture, then this study is made his major
and, all in good time, he is made foreman of the group who care for the
gardens. If the course of study lacks the element which he craves and
for which he has a natural aptitude, this branch is added to the course.
The economy of life demands the conservation of childhood and youth and
the school deems it the part of wisdom as well as civic and social
economy to provide special instruction for this boy, as was done in the
case of Helen Keller. This school, in theory and in practice, is firm in
its opposition to wasting boys and girls. Hence, ample provision is made
for the child of unusual inclinations.
=Electives.=--The pupils do not elect a study because it is easy, but
because their inclinations run in that direction. Indeed, there are no
easy courses, no snap courses in the school. Diligent, careful, thorough
work is the rule, and there can be found no semblance of approval for
loafing or dawdling. The school stands for purposes that are clear in
definition and for work that is intense. There are no prizes offered for
excellent work, but the approbation of parents, teachers, and
schoolmates, in the estimation of the pupils, far transcends any
material or symbolic prizes that could be offered. In school work and in
conduct the pupils all strive to win this approval. There is no
coarseness nor boorishness, for that would forfeit this approval.
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