[4][5] Concerned by "sentimentalist attitude[s]" about child-raising,[6] he discerned that "society is blind to the reality that teens need to face and overcome difficult challenges if they are to become confident, productive, fulfilled adults.

[5][9] Gauld recounts how conflicts with the trustees about his educational innovations led to his resignation, although one reporter writes that he was dismissed.

[12] The site included the Hyde Mansion with its indoor swimming pool, an educational wing built by the interim owners, the Pine Tree Society for Crippled Children and Adults, and 145 acres of land.

[6][29] In an interview in 1975, Joseph Gauld told a reporter that "he prefers not to see students academic transcripts before he starts school at Hyde.

"[31] As part of the character-building curriculum, all students are required to participate in academics, performing arts, athletics, and community service.

[5][16] As a recent article describes, Hyde believes that "character, attitude and effort are factors that contribute to academic excellence and personal fulfilment.

Hence, their character-based programming is incorporated in their regular curriculum spurring students to work on their leadership skills, public speaking confidence, and building meaningful relationships.

[16][33] Honors and Advanced Placement courses are offered, though graduation is based on personal development more than academics, with individual degrees being determined by community assessment.

[37][38] Reports of past disciplinary procedures have included slapping and public paddling, a student being "dunked" in a duck pond, a student being instructed to engage in a boxing match with a teacher, performing labor on school grounds and surrounding farms, living in isolation, digging a pit as a metaphorical grave, and receiving a masculine haircut.