Learning should be a natural part of life, not seen as something confined to the classroom. To improve my school, first and foremost, I would allow for periods of class discussion, so students would have the freedom to question what they have learned. I would have smaller classes, so students could have enough time to discuss the lesson in a meaningful fashion and engage in hands-on problem-solving activities in math and science. I would allow for more open-ended and creative assignments in my humanities and social science classes. I would make the arts, including music and drama, an integral part of the curriculum so students could enjoy the pure pleasure of learning and use their knowledge in the process of creation and self-discovery.

Introducing greater number of extracurricular activities at my current school is essential: sports are a passion of mine, but I...

This would give me a chance to challenge others and to articulate my own views about issues in print. To me, the ideal is to belong to a school such as the Thatcher School that has a singular, communal activity in which all students participate -- horseback riding -- combined with other opportunities in the arts, sciences, and other sports.
Technology is another key feature that must be added to my current educational environment. It never ceases to amaze me how my school can open the student body's minds to high-level mathematical concepts yet have outmoded technological facilities. It should introduce classes and workshops in how to apply the scientific method to using computers. In contrast, Thatcher has post-AP level computer classes as well as integrates the creative use of computers into every aspect of scholastic life.