Purposes

The school’s philosophy is articulated in its purposes, which include a set of school-wide learning expectations. This set of expectations is the measure by which we gauge the appropriateness and effectiveness of programs, curricula, and policies school wide.

1. To create a nurturing atmosphere in the classroom, wherein the child feels accepted, respected as an individual, and free to express himself or herself;
2. For the younger student, to provide a balanced curriculum in which the student is exposed to basic concepts and skills in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science and technology, computer applications, and social studies;
3. For the older student, to provide a balanced college preparatory curriculum in which the student is exposed to the basic ideas of and trained in the methods of literature, composition, history, foreign languages, mathematics, science, and computer science;
4. To maintain the highest level of academic expectations consistent with the cognitive abilities of students at each grade level;
5. To form a close working relationship with parents so they become an active, constructive force in their children’s education;
6. To develop, as appropriate, a cross-discipline approach to education, emphasizing the relationships among academic disciplines;
7. * To develop critical reading and critical thinking skills in an age-appropriate manner, including the ability to observe, analyze, synthesize, deduce, and make inferences;
8. * To foster a love of learning;
9. * To develop an appreciation of and proficiency in the visual and performing arts;
10. * To develop in students an awareness of their own bodies and physical abilities, as well as the values of teamwork and sportsmanship;
11. * To develop character based on integrity, compassion, honesty, responsibility to the community, a respect for diversity, and belief in the value of living a life based on principle;
12. * To foster a view of oneself as a citizen of the world with responsibility to its people and to the environment; and
13. * To foster intellectual, emotional, and ethical attributes needed to live in a world of diversity and change.

* School-Wide Learning Expectations