We believe that academic excellence is the foundation of education. We encourage the development of creative, self-reliant students who can solve problems, make informed critical choices, and function as productive members of society. We believe that small class size, teacher autonomy and collaboration in curriculum development, and non-competitive methods of assessment enable individualized recognition of each child’s unique strengths and needs. We believe that the diversity of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds represented in the school community contributes to understanding the rights and responsibilities of each member of the larger community. We believe in maintaining an environment where emotional, physical, and intellectual safety is the standard, and students are taught effective conflict resolution through peaceful problem solving. We believe the involvement of parents in many aspects of the school, including assistance in the classrooms, membership on our Board of Trustees, helping with fundraising, and community building is integral to their children’s school experience. We believe in furthering the development of an environmental ethic in all students by means of our educational program. We witness the positive results of these principles in our graduates, who make a successful transition into secondary education.