At the end of Little Women, after all the trials and tribulations of the March family, things finally work out well for Jo-- she falls in love with the Professor, and her aunt dies and leaves her estate, Plumfield, to Jo. And what does she do with it?
"And you expect to live on the produce of the place? Well,
that sounds paradisiacal, but you'll find it desperate hard work."
"The crop we are going to raise is a profitable one," And
Jo laughed.
"Of what is this fine crop to consist, ma'am?"
"Boys. I want to open a school for little lads--a good,
happy, homelike school, with me to take care of them and Fritz
to teach them."
"That's a truly Joian plan for you! Isn't that just like
her?" cried Laurie, appealing to the family, who looked as much
surprised as he.
"I like it," said Mrs. March decidedly.
"So do I," added her husband, who welcomed the thought of
a chance for trying the Socratic method of education on modern
youth.
Reading that passage at the age of 10 or 11, desperate for the tale to continue indefinitely, I was strangely satisfied with Jo's fortunes. Open a perfect school.... and ever since it has seemed to be a wonderful dream... but of course Jo didn't have to do any but put the sign on the door and spread the word of mouth that she would teach-- no certification or accreditation, no state or federal regulations, no free or reduced lunch programs, transportation issues.. all those little details that make a happy ending a tad boring. But what if we didn't have to worry about those details? What if we could make an "imaginary" perfect school? Is there any consensus on what it would be like?
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