The Institute began operation of the school in 1972 as an integral part of its ongoing research into the fundamental nature of human consciousness. The Environment for Discovery was developed and maintained in order to study the processes whereby the individual child acquires those sensorimotor skills, perceptual powers, psychological traits, cognitive abilities, and philosophical perspectives which constitute his unique achievement of human potential. The aim of the Institute is to conduct such studies in a research environment which provides to each child the best opportunity to maximize the achievement of his human potential by paying strict attention to the scientific preparation of each child's environment and exercising a profound respect for individual liberty and human dignity.