ABSTRACT
Community service was, however, consistent with the middle school's commitment to experiential education and the school's longstanding commitment to progressivism and service to the community. Hartley's service program has the most detailed and highly documented statement of purpose and educational objectives of any program studied. The "Mission of Hartley School", taken from the catalogue, says, in part: The mission of Hartley is to educate for character. The Middle School community social service program started in 1982. The social service program grew out of the middle school's elective program; in 1973 the middle school allocated 6 weeks to non-traditional learning activities. The history department chair went first to the middle school because of his strong personal relationship with the middle school head. Most middle school teachers believe that social service is important. They are uncertain, however, if the program captures the imagination and interest of parents and students.
