Free Market Institute Blog

In 2014, Brookfield Academy introduced something truly distinctive - the International Freedom Scholars (IFS) Program. Developed by Mrs. Judy Werlin, (then Chair of the History Department), and myself, the program was designed to go beyond traditional global studies and reflect something deeper. It was designed to reflect Brookfield Academy’s core philosophy of freedom.

The IFS Certification is not just another academic credential. It represents initiative, intellectual courage, and a commitment to understanding the world in a meaningful way. At its heart is a simple but powerful idea: the sky is the limit. Students are empowered to pursue topics they genuinely care about, transforming curiosity into rigorous, globally focused research.

This work is not superficial. Each student conducts primary research, writes a 15-page thesis archived by the school, and presents their findings to the Board of Directors. It is a process that demands independence, critical thinking, and confidence.

We just had course signups for the next academic year. Students came to me asking about taking AP Micro versus Micro, AP Macro versus regular Macro. Which is better for them? Which looks stronger? Which boosts their GPA more? My answer is always the same - take what you think you want to take, and take what you can handle.

I can say that calmly, and students actually listen. Here at Brookfield Academy, a student’s GPA depends on their performance in the class and the grade they earn at the end of the year. They aren’t getting extra points simply for signing up for an AP course. There’s no automatic numerical bonus for rigor. If you take AP, you take it because you’re ready for the challenge, and not because the system guarantees a GPA bump just for trying.

But is that the case everywhere?

In the early 1900s, British officials in Delhi, India faced a public safety headache. Cobras were everywhere - curling in alleyways, slipping into homes, turning ordinary errands into calculated risks. The problem demanded action.

Their solution sounded airtight - offer cash for every dead cobra. Align public safety with personal profit. Kill snakes, reduce snakes, problem solved. At first, the policy delivered exactly what it promised. Dead cobras piled up. Snake sightings dropped. Officials relaxed, congratulated themselves, and poured victory tea.