MISSION & VISION
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PDF versionOur vision is to create a K-8 learning community in which all teachers, parents and students partner to support the cognitive, emotional and social success of our students; where there exists positive, respectful and peaceful collaboration, and where children are enabled and empowered to become lifelong learners and compassionate global citizens.
Our mission is to educate the whole child using a combination of innovative curriculum and instruction along with social/emotional education embedded in the program. Students will be enabled to reach their innate intellectual, creative, and leadership potentials, through our commitment to nourish curiosity, compassion, independence, resourcefulness and respect for diversity.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
- An Adherence to a Progressive, Whole Child Philosophy of Education. We will incorporate creative, effective teaching methods, differentiation, and flexibility while meeting (and often exceeding) the California standards. Children will learn and practice conflict resolution skills and collaboration. Content will be meaningful and relevant to students and the world around them.
- A K-8 Campus, on a separate or new site. We are creating a Middle School alternative where children can learn in a small, safe, and positive learning community, and where all educators value whole child education, project-based learning, parent volunteers, and the continued development of their students’ social and emotional needs. (The school may start as a K-7 and grow to K-8).
- Autonomous Decision-Making Regarding Staffing and Structure. The School Administrator, Board of Directors, and School community will:
- Have the ability to make staffing decisions which will not be bound by union regulations that place seniority above the qualifications and intrinsic abilities of our educators.
- Put the needs of our students first when deciding how to spend our state monies.
- Help to ensure that all members of our community (including support staff) embrace and support the Whole Child/progressive education philosophy.
- Active Parent Involvement. All parents are encouraged to commit to active volunteer participation, as well as ongoing parent education (in collaboration with the Horizon Hills parent education program) via lectures, workshops, and/or discussion groups. Parents will commit to involvement in one of many Parent-Managed Cohorts, all of which either directly impact groups of students, or the School as a whole. Parents will also have direct access to a Parent Resource Center on site. We plan to develop a Child-Care Co-Op, with parent support.
- A Home School Alliance. Many home school families share a progressive, whole child philosophy and we will expand this effective educational approach through a Home School Alliance. Home School families who enroll in this component will have access to our campus, resources, and an on-site educator who will manage and support their goals. Home school parents will also be encouraged to participate in the Charter school community through their attendance in Parent education opportunities.
- Flexibility in Scheduling. We will increase the time children have each day to:
- Complete independent work after school and on site, thus reducing “homework”
- Participate in active movement and positive social interaction, thus creating a healthier lifestyle & enhancing brain development
- Attend to and develop areas of interest and creativity, thus inspiring innovation & brain development
- Engage in socially responsible and proactive collaborative activities, thus developing stronger relationships and strengthening community: the context of all learning.
- A Focus on Sustainability and Health. The School will advocate responsibility to our community and ourselves:
- Healthy eating habits will be supported
- Environmental education and stewardship will prepare students for success in the green economy of the future
- The ONLY way this choice in public school education can be realized is through your active participation, support and monetary contributions