Why we do what we do

1. Children learn by doing. This applies to: making decisions, taking responsibility, engaging in critical thinking, and solving problems (intellectual and interpersonal).
2. Children learn best when their abilities are challenged, internal motivation is increased, and their interest and learning style is taken into account.
3. The community supports the teachers in their professional judgment as to the best strategies to meet the needs of each individual child as well as the whole class.
4. Children learn best in a supportive, cooperative environment.
5. Children learn best in an atmosphere where their process, and not merely the end result, is acknowledged, and mistakes are recognized as a natural part of the learning process.
6. Opportunities for interaction between students of all ages lead to integration of learning, increased ability in social skills, problem-solving skills and decision-making skills.
7. Children learn best in an atmosphere that acknowledges and integrates their social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.
8. Children learn best when they feel good about themselves and feel empowered socially, emotionally, and academically.
9. Children learn more readily when their home environment is philosophically compatible with the educational framework of their learning.
10. Children learn best when parents work cooperatively with teachers and are actively and visibly involved in their child's social and academic development.
11. Children learn best when their horizons are broadened by exposure to the interests and styles of many people, including other children, teachers, parents and the community-at-large.