School is a part of life.

 

Knowledge is constructed through play, direct experience, use of resources, and social interaction.

 

Learners are active participants, problem solvers, contributors, and social beings.

 

Social-emotional learning at school is an essential part of children’s development.

 

Teachers are facilitators who guide and foster thinking, creative expression and collaboration.

 

Assessment includes formal and informal interactions and tools, on an individual basis.

 

Homework is given when parents and teachers see it as needed for the child.

 

Parents are welcome resources as partners in supporting children’s experience.

 

Community is an extension of the classroom.

 

Decision making is a shared process across groups.

 

Program is determined by mission, philosophy, standards and goals for students’ futures.

 

Instruction is related to central questions and inquiry, often inspired by the children.

 

Disciplines are integrated allowing children to make connections.

 

Skills are tools related to content.

 

Process is paramount; products are artifacts of process.

 

Intelligence is recognized as varied, includes the arts, and is measured in observable problem solving.