On one end of the spectrum, there is a philosophy of hierarchical control and strict adherence to a top-down plan. This philosophy treats members of an organization, including students in a school, like widgets; it is demoralizing, it stifles creativity and innovation and is very inefficient. On the other end of the spectrum is the idealistic utopia where everyone does what they want and things just magically get done. This often results in anarchy and is also very ineffective. In the middle is the philosophy referred to as the “levers of control.” The Apollo Academy model is built on this philosophy. Students are given tremendous freedom, but there are clear boundaries; boundaries they themselves will help tailor and enforce. There is a clear belief system, work performed is meaningful and tied to student personal goals and there is a clear diagnostic system in place to reward effort.
