Buckley's educational philosophy, the 4-Fold Plan of Education, combines the principles of whole-child education – a deeply inter-connected program of academics, arts, physical development and moral education – with a more traditional framework. Curiosity, critical thinking and creativity are the underpinning of our entire curriculum. And yet, we believe that students’ best and most creative work, in the classroom, in the arts, and on the field, can only be realized through self-discipline and resilience developed through a structured program and strong emphasis on character development.

Our small size, just 770 students in grades K-12, is an important part of our philosophy.  It creates a warm, secure, personal learning environment, and provides more meaningful opportunities for involvement, across the areas of the 4-Fold Plan, than would be possible with a larger student body.  As one of our students put it, “Buckley gives you the opportunity to excel in all four areas of student life, rather than to just participate. It’s not everywhere that you can be the editor-in-chief of the newspaper and star of the basketball team at the same time.”

Our Lower School blends tradition and structure with progressive methodologies.  Our Middle and Upper School is college preparatory, based on a prescribed curriculum that expands to include the best of current research and teaching methodologies. Learn more about our educational philosophy and how we challenge our students to Dare to Be Brilliant, Creative, Strong, and True.

Dr. Buckley understood that students would not perform equally across the 4-Fold Plan, but she believed that it is important to have knowledge and appreciation across a range of pursuits, and to discover your passions even when, or perhaps especially when, they might not align with your strengths."