GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Our Educational Approach is Based on
Six Guiding Principles:

 
3-intrinsic-gift.png

INTRINSIC GIFT

Inherent Genius
Skill and Knowledge Building
Cultivate Identity

We structure our curriculum to call forth that individual genius that seeks its first clear expression during adolescence. We then support our students in building the skills and capacities they need to develop this unique gift in the world.

MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS

Personal Connection
Active Listening
Strategic Questioning

We train our teachers to serve as mentors. In the context of strong personal connections, we use the ancient arts of observation, questioning, and follow-up to inspire emotional and cognitive development in youth.

6-symbotic-eductation.jpg

SYMBIOTIC EDUCATION

Big-Picture Understanding
Interdependence of Knowledge
Natural Cycles of Learning

We teach beyond individual facts and isolated ideas to frame them in a larger context so that students can experience the links between disciplines, and find personal relevance in their studies. Connected experiences spark emotional engagement, which drives passionate and committed learning.

 
2-collective-responsibility.png

COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

Personal Efficacy
Commitment to Service
Global Understanding

We invite each student to answer the core questions: who am I, where have I come from; and where am I going? As students form a strong personal narrative through their years of study with us, they help to grow a shared narrative for our world that is hopeful and transformative, and they position themselves well to contribute to a positive future for everyone.

5-interpersonal-competence.png

INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCE

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Empathy
Conflict Resolution

We encourage a reflective understanding of our emotional lives, and teach youth how to approach and resolve conflicts non-violently and effectively. We highly value interpersonal skills and competencies, and build them into our school culture. One of the great predictors of a successful and fulfilling life is the capacity to know how our actions will be perceived, and how others will respond and react to our choices.

1-rigorous-effort.jpg

RIGOROUS EFFORT

Physical Work
Emotional Resilience
Cognitive Engagement

We want our young people to grow into adults who can forge ahead in life, even when things get difficult. Students face emotional obstacles with clarity, competence, and a set of conflict-resolution skills taught by mentors. Intellectually, they become articulate speakers, forceful writers, and rigorous problem solvers.