The North Central Regional Educational Laboratory and the Chicago Public Schools (1992) describe Walden III High School as a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools:
"As one of the oldest Essential schools, Walden III High School in Racine, Wisconsin, has a graduation requirement called the Rite of Passage Experience (ROPE). All seniors must demonstrate mastery in 15 areas of knowledge and competence by completing a portfolio, project, and 15 presentations before a ROPE committee comprising staff members (including the student's homeroom teacher), a student, and an adult from the community. Walden students are represented by a 13-member student government that meets weekly with the 26 faculty members in a governance meeting. Students and teachers have an equal vote on all issues that are raised in governance, which range from housekeeping issues to dealing with cheating." (p. 2)
