Rationale supporting our mission:
Challenges in the "real world" do not exist in isolation;
they are embedded in a collection of interconnected systems.
The "...resources and opportunities..." learners need are…
- a broad and rich foundation of background knowledge and skills-what stuff
is and how it works; - a big picture perspective in which they understand the connections among
systems-how stuff and processes interact; and - experiences in which they apply this content understanding and acquired
skills to real situations, especially as it relates to their lives and to our
community.
- Learners becoming real-world problem solvers
- Mastering advanced academic standards
- Active participation in a rigorous Core Knowledge curriculum
- Teaching to our own high standards
- Showing respect and accepting responsibility
- A stable and safe learning environment
- Learners, teachers, staff and parents building
community
- Being a leader in the greater community
It’s not just what you know, but what you do with your knowledge. Each of us makes hundreds of decisions every day. Some are small and automatic; others require reflection or analysis. All of them rest on things we know, things we have learned. The more complex and challenging the problem, the deeper we need to dive into our understanding so that we can pull together the most effective collection of information and abilities to solve the problem.
Knowledge is half the equation; knowing how to use it is the necessary other part. The synergy that is the skilled application of knowledge only happens when we have learned how to use what we know.
Consider this: You have studied the physics of shooting a basketball through the hoop. You know the weight and probable trajectory of the ball, the air resistance, the amount of spin, and a hundred other details. But it’s improbable you will make a basket until you have spent some time actually shooting, practicing; you need to apply your knowledge.
This is the combination we seek.
- Immerse our learners deeply in background knowledge.
- Help them understand the similarities and differences among different systems, so what they learn can be applied to understand other situations. For instance, our fourth graders study feudal Japan; in fifth grade they will study medieval Europe. What they know about one will help inform them about the other.
- Give them creative opportunities to apply their understanding. For instance, while our learners study the grand sweep of history, the past is composed of discrete moments, some of which were pivotal. Our eighth graders present a History Fair, in which they research important small moments in history, then share this with the whole student body as vignettes. Also, since nothing occurs in isolation, to understand one moment requires knowledge of the historical context in which it took place; thus is the learning extended.
Learning to use knowledge to solve problems or respond to opportunities in the world outside school prepares our students to be productive and thoughtful citizens.
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Providing learners with a strong foundation of background knowledge through a balanced and rigorous Core Knowledge Curriculum that prepares them to take advantage of high school and post- secondary educational opportunities.
Delivering this dynamic curriculum to our learners by employing research- based, data - driven best practices produces excellent results, as evidenced by consistent academic achievement.
A K-8 school big enough to offer opportunities; small enough to know every learner.
A school culture based on Respect, Responsibility, & Opportunity creates a safe, stable environment where the focus is on learning.
Parents create charter schools and are active partners in their children's education; sharing expertise to enhance learning in the classroom, regularly volunteering, and helping guide the school through committees or the board of directors.
- Immersing them in background
knowledge.
- Helping them understand the
similarities and differences among
different systems.
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