Core Beliefs

We believe each student is entitled to a unique, customized education that is reflective of each student’s individual talents and strengths.

We believe that a classical education, in which the history, literature, languages, sciences and cultures of Western Civilization are studied in depth, must be balanced with a study of additional world cultures in order to promote cultural empathy, understanding and global awareness.

We believe the school is an extension of the family. We believe the school that best serves the student, best serves the family. We believe the school and student families must embrace a philosophy of cooperation, compassion and respect in regard to all parties; students, parents and family, Master Academicians, Instructional Assistants, Professional Experts, Administration and Staff.

We believe that students should be able to progress in their studies according to their own developmental stage and accomplishments within each individual subject, rather than limiting their potential for growth and development based solely upon “grade” or chronological age.

Toward this end, we believe that at all levels of instruction, even at the primary and elementary levels of study, that the instructional model that is more commonly observed at the high school or college level, wherein a team of Master Academicians serve as specialists in each individual subject, best serves a student population. This approach makes it possible for students to study a variety of subjects based upon demonstrated ability in each subject area, rather than studying course work based simply upon “grade” or chronological age.  This instructional model, although rare in the United States, is commonly observed in European school settings.

We believe that classes must be limited to no more than 20 students. Moreover, each Master Academician must be assisted by an Instructional Assistant, bringing the student to teacher ratio to no more than 10 to one.

We believe that students benefit from attending flexibly grouped classes that are comprised of students of varying ages. Students learn to respect diversity in intellect. They learn to recognize excellence in aptitude in varying subjects and content areas including, but not limited to, academics. Older students develop a sense of concern and responsibility toward younger students. Younger students emulate and esteem older students. All students learn to operate comfortably with persons outside of their own chronologically age-based peer group.

We believe that the coordinated or cross-curricular method of instruction must be utilized whenever possible. We believe all faculty members must cooperate fully to coordinate and implement such methods of instruction.

We believe talent or ability in any subject is honorable and worthy of respect, and should be encouraged and developed to its fullest extent, whether that talent presents itself in the area of language arts, music, visual art, theatre, humanities, sports, mathematics or science. Students should be encouraged to pursue and explore their passions, natural talents and interests.