Our educational philosophy emphasizes the ‘whole child’. It is inquiry-based and allows plenty of time to pursue one’s interests. It is flexible and allows time for movement as well as many opportunities for exploration outside of the classroom. There is less of a focus on testing or other traditional assessments. (Everyone learns to walk and talk without a formal grade system judging them all the time.) We use rubrics and self-reflection as essential tools in informing both the student and the teacher what support and resources are needed. Students are seen as capable, and when they are engaged in the process, they meet the challenges presented to them. The school maintains a focus on their strengths, which inspires a student’s courage to build and tap into their natural resilience. Students rise to the needs of the situation when given the opportunity to do so. The result is a student who is confident, feels competent, is committed to his/her goals, able to cope with difficulty, and feels in control of their own life.
