Description and history of the course

This course was created to fill a gap in the traditional curriculum that is offered in many public and private high schools.  It has been used over twenty- five times and the lessons included have been tested by students from grades nine to twelve with abilities from special education to honors proving it to be remarkably successful for all levels and grades. 

In fact, the diversity in the class is a valuable component to the success of the class.  The only demographic that was not as successful was a class of mostly ninth grade students, primarily because of the lack of maturity as a group.  Other than that, each class has made remarkable progress in many areas of a teen’s life including but not exclusively:

• Better grades in all academic subjects

• Stress reduction both in and out of school

• Marked improvement in ability to get along with peers, teachers, friends and family

• Acceptance of embracing the diversity in their classes, their school and the community

• Decline in discipline problems in and out of class

• Setting and achieving goals

• Development of leadership skills

• Ethics awareness and development

• Financial literacy

The original course was offered in the fall of 2001 and began seven days before the events of September 11.  Students embraced the course as an antidote to negative world events and within two weeks, there was a waiting list for students who wanted to enter the class.  By the end of the semester, students were disappointed that the course had come to an end and requested that a sequel be written which was initially offered in the fall of 2002. 

The classes have been filled to capacity since that day.