Earlier today I happened to read a news story about a new school in Brooklyn, New York called a Free Fall school. In this "school" students aren’t graded, don’t take tests, and don’t turn in assignments. Why you may ask? Kids in this school are allowed to do whatever they want to do. That’s why it’s called Free Fall. The "teachers" at this school prompt students to follow their desires and remark that kids should only learn when they feel like it. They should never be forced to learn. If the kids want to learn chess, do yoga all day, eat, or sit in a corner it’s perfectly acceptable. One student interviewed for the article remarked that some kids sit around playing video games all day. According to the article, parents must pay $10,000 dollars a year to put their kid through this school. (What exactly are they paying for? Video game lessons?)
After the news story I enjoyed reading a commentary on the article by a professed Christian man. He brought out some excellent points such as "doesn’t the Bible say something about discipline and education?" If we are to live up to our potential in the world and serve God doesn’t that mean learning more about the world so we can do more good in it? Sure school can be a bore sometimes and sure we don’t want to do it. (I sure would like to slack sometimes.) But as my dad will sometimes say, think about the big picture, not just the small little details. Beating level 10 on that cool new video game is not enough to get you through life. Face it. (Seems like the parents of those kids would realize that don't you think? Guess not)