During the past few years a new trend in day to day schooling has developed, namely independent studies, that involves learning experience between people. This monograph presents the idea that there is a relation between independence in school programs and a desire for "community" (the coming-together of people) which is mutually nourishing. Independence and community are intertwined, inter-dependent, and compliment one another. Although at the present time the majority of programs are intended for senior high students, a number of schools incorporate the programs at an earlier age. For example, in Greenwich, Connecticut at the Whitby School, younger children are learning on their own in a social setup and, furthermore, learning what is of interest to them. Many teachers and students feel that the actual experience gained outweighs the outcome of the independence-community project. Student feedback to the schools indicates that the experience with people is vital regardless of whether the specific activity engaged in is like or not. Students working on independent projects within a community favorably report a gain of insightful knowledge and understanding and a growing awareness of the humanity of all people. (Author/SJM)