Lagunitas School sidestepped any major changes to its elementary programs, opting to weather another year of declining enrollment with both Montessori and Open Classrooms intact. A group of parents concerned about dwindling class sizes had spurred the school board to consider merging the progressive programs in the fall. The parents urged a swift decision, while defenders of the Open Classroom pushed back and trustees pointed out a host of obstacles. 

At a forum on…