According to Jens Jensen, "Instruction at The Clearing is
non-competitive - there are no credits, no grades, no degrees,
no pitting of one student against another." This method of
teaching is what the Danes called "The Living Word." Discussion,
conversation, nature study and hands-on work are emphasized,
rather than learning just in the classroom, through reading and
writing. The folk school experience at The Clearing is a unique
combination of learning, history, tradition, social interaction
and quiet reflection.