Learning Approach
Primary methods of instruction include inquiry-based methods and active learning approaches, where the teacher serves as facilitator and coach to support student learning. Instruction includes an emphasis on social-emotional learning, and classrooms will be student-centered with students working in small collaborative groups, individually, and through child-initiated play.
The school is based on the following beliefs
Children are inherently good and have an innate desire to learn
Every child can be successful in school
Children’s energy, unique talents, and individuality are assets, not obstacles
Every student possesses the ability to think critically, learn and understand information, and solve complex problems
Every student should spend their time in school engaged primarily in these kinds of activities
The goals for our students are centered around four principles: Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination, and Integrity.
Intellect
Reading and Literature: Students will comprehend and analyze age-appropriate literature and nonfiction text, and communicate powerfully through writing, speaking, and the arts.
Math: Students will focus on math facts, operations, problem-solving and understanding and applying concepts.
Science and Social Studies: Students will explore and understand the complexity of the social and scientific worlds.
Critical thinking: Students will apply content knowledge to relevant and current situations, problems, and experiences and be intellectually and physically active, self-directed learners.
Inquiry
Students will act as researchers: problem-solving, generating questions, collecting and analyzing information, and proposing solutions.
Students will rely on curiosity and collaboration; an internal motivation to learn; wonder; keen observation; and attention to detail, data, and possibilities for further investigations.
Imagination
Students will exhibit the skills of creative and independent thinkers: the courage to create, a joyful spirit, the ability to generate ideas and devise solutions, and the ability to play.
Students will exhibit resourcefulness, ingenuity, and optimism when faced with an unfamiliar challenge or opportunity.
Students will come to expect that their creativity and imagination will play an essential role in their success in school and in life.
Integrity
Students will act as members of a democratic society, demonstrating honesty; the ability to stand up for one’s beliefs; the confidence to make decision according to one’s value system; the ability to listen to, respect, collaborate and learn from others; and the capacity for empathy, compassion, and strong ethics.
