1. Reading - When you are reading somebody's work you are spending time in their company. Who do you want children to spend time with? People who will elevate their minds. Selection of Literature is what is important in a Neo-Humanist school's reading curriculum. There are plenty of systems about How to teach reading. What to read, is how we differ. In public schools the priority is that the child must learn the technical skills of reading first. Second, they must practice reading as much as possible, regardless of the content ! And third, if it is possible, they should read some decent literature. In NHE, the priorities are reversed. First, the children should read inspiring literature that will be uplift their character. Second, because they are reading good books, books that make a difference in their lives, they will be motivated to be more active readers. Third, their skill development will follow naturally with practice and instruction.

2. Writing - In a Neo-Humanist school, writing is done for service and blessedness. When you are writing you are affecting someone else's mind. The images you plant bear fruit in the reader's mind. The reader will also in his or her time propagate these images in their own writing, thus creating a domino like effect that may be positive or negative depending on the quality of the writing. Even small children in first grade can be taught to understand that writing has consequences for the collective. Just ask them where they got the most horrible images in their minds -- from another writer !! Writing is an art and a responsibility. Children can be inspired to write if they see that their writing serves a purpose. Teachers must be creative and resourceful in seeking out or inventing these opportunities. In fact, all school subjects should be dyed in the colors of real life application. Then motivation will remain high and long term assimilation is more likely.

3. Math - is a doorway for an expansive understanding of the universe and is also practically applied as a tool in a benevolent way. Using social problems as themes of word problems encourages this practical application. Studying the mathematical patterns in everything of this universe connects us to a higher intelligence.

4. Science - In a Neo-Humanist School the emphasis is on ecology, an understanding of systems within systems; a love for animal, plants and the inanimate world. Through the proper study of science children can realize the interconnectedness of all things, the great mystery at the center of it all, and their place in the grand scheme. Not every child will be reached in the same manner. One will have their higher mind opened through music, one through literature, another through science, a fourth through social action. It is very important that the consistency is there from discipline to discipline. This will allow the mind to make intuitive inferences and experience the philosophy in all its beauty.

5. Healthy Living - (often called health and hygiene in public schools) includes learning about nutrition and vegetarianism. It includes those aspects of social norms, 16 points, yama and niyama, that relate to cleanliness and physical health. It includes asanas as well. Our health curriculum differs drastically from that of traditional schools.

6. Social Studies - Our philosophy profoundly effects the way we teach Social Studies. Neo-Humanism begins with humanism, a love and appreciation for a universal humanity. Therefore, our social studies curriculum must attempt to engender that love while overcoming geo and socio-sentiments inherent within all students and teachers. The conclusions reached by proper study must then be enacted ! This is called Awakened Conscience. Our social studies therefore is vast in scope, teaching about many cultures, and according to the age of the child, also teaching about economic and political systems, their strategies, and their means of exploitation.

7. Extra Subjects - Our philosophy dramatically affects what other subjects we offer such as meditation classes, yoga, art and music (done in a unique way that overcomes pseudo culture and promotes true human culture), second language at an early age, nutrition, physical education (includes asanas), handicrafts, and practical skills appropriate to the age of the student.

8. Methods - Our philosophy also impacts what Methods we use. Methods are geared toward applied knowledge - putting things into practice. Hands-on learning is emphasized - through drama, play and stories - not dry textbook learning. There has to be some manipulation of materials, some chance to play .

9. Personal Characteristics Area - is barely addressed in public schools. Parents looking for more guidance in this come to a private school. They find they are trying to teach good values at home with no support in the public school or from TV, music or movies. We address the personal characteristics through:

• Moral code

• Teaching manners

• Teaching study skills

• Organization

• Service

• Conduct with elders and younger

• Interpersonal relationships

• Problem solving

• A unique method of discipline that rewards and punishes behavior logically and dispassionately, whose corrective measures inspire better behavior rather than just inflict physical or mental pain, whose goals are not creating a pleasing façade which disappears outside of adult supervision, but molding the inner child.

10. Teachers - Teachers must be individuals who can embody and model the philosophy and who love children. At the Progressive school, teachers must have two or three years NHE training on site as apprentices before becoming a head teacher. Our requirements for a teacher stray deeply into the personal realm, unlike other schools. We consider teachers to be role models, not just technicians.

11. Assessment - performance based and not knowledge based. What did you do? - Not -What do you know?

These are some basic areas that any parent or educator can understand and see the difference that the touch of our philosophy has initiated. I have found that teachers, parents and community leaders understand our philosophy through how we allow it to transform all the above areas, topics that they are indeed familiar with. It is quite rare that someone who is a not familiar with our philosophy (which is nearly everyone in the world) can come to understand our philosophy, or care about it, through a reading of what we believe it to be