Will Smith funds Scientology school

Will Smith has spent nearly $1 million on a private school that bases
some of its education on Scientology.

The 'I Am Legend' actor has funded California's New Village Academy of
Calabasas, where the curriculum uses different educational theories
including 'Study Technology' – a learning method developed by the
bizarre sci-fi cult's late creator L. Ron Hubbard.

Sources also claim at least six members of staff employed at the
£6,000-a-year private academy are members of the controversial
religion.

Although the academy's website doesn't mention Scientology, it does
speak about Hubbard.

'Study Technology' is described as: "An educational model developed by
L R Hubbard, study technology focuses on three principles. First is
the use of 'mass' (manipulatives and hands-on experiences) to foster
understanding – children need to see and feel what they are learning
about. Second is the attention to the 'gradient', which ensures
students master one level before moving on to the next.

"Third is the 'misunderstood word', in which students master word
definitions and are taught not to read past words they don't know the
meanings of in order to understand completely what they are reading
and learning."

Last month, Smith – whose wife Jada Pinkett-Smith is a devout follower
of Scientology - denied he was a Scientologist.

He said: "You don't have to be Jewish to be a friend of Steven
Spielberg. You don't have to be Muslim to be a friend of Muhammad Ali.

And you don't have to be a Scientologist to be a friend of Tom Cruise.
"I am a Christian. I am a student of all religions. And I respect all
people and all paths."