Academics

The school is all about letting you test your limits and plumb your passions. You can choose to take classes for a grade, or pass-fail, and many professors encourage the latter because they believe that grades are not actually representative of a student's learning or ability.
Students often set up independent studies and can take a term-long residency in which they fully explore any topic of interest to them.
Classes are often small and discussion based. Because of this intimate setting, a lot is expected of students, and they can often be found reading dense, but interesting, material at all hours of the day and loving it.

I sat in on three classes, and from what I could tell, the workload wasn't too bad, and the material was interesting. The professors are quirky and dedicated to their students- truly passionate people doing what they love. If you're passionate about learning, you'll do well indeed!

Most classes rely on rigorous reading, and a few incorporate different research projects and writings as well. The classes are typically less than ten students, and very discussion based. It's crucial to do your work and stay on top of things, or you'll fall behind very quickly. Grades are optional, but don't mistake that for meaning the classes are easy. If you don't do your work you will not pass the class and/or get an evaluation that reflects your poor performance.

You take 3 courses a trimester because each class is very demanding. And you better show up to every class, because classes are small, and people know when you are skipping.

The classes aren't too hard but they're also not too easy. They're perfectly challenging and you will retain a lot of the information.