Where are we?
Our group is united in its values–all members have had a chance to share what we would like our school to instill in its students, as well edit the contributions of others. We have now assembled a list of core ideals that will permeate the structure of our institution as we move forward.
Furthermore, we have built a rough outline in which we explore potential programs that would promote such values. This outline includes some sample programs that introduce founding principles into the curriculum–these include potential feedback mechanisms, extracurricular activities, and an emphasis on local community engagement.
Finally, we have drafted a mission statement modeled off Poly's. This statement represents a more condensed version of the core tenets that have guided our work. It also speaks to the impact we would like our school to have on the world. Read it below!
How did we get here?
Throughout the week, we have engaged in dialogue to shape the core principles of each group member into a cohesive whole. This began with casual conversation and then coalesced into a google doc in which each of us shared our vision of the school in an organized fashion. Each group member had the opportunity to edit the mission statement & curricular outline as it was created. After deliberation, we all agreed that we could ensure that the philosophy of our school would be best implemented in a K-12 format. We immediately agreed on most of the procedural elements of primary education. Having decided as a group that we would also offer high school education, we adopted most of the principles provided by Ezra in the previous week's brainstorming class, with an important note that all curriculum be strongly grounded in the values inculcated in lower school.
Where are going next?
One area for growth is attaching our school to an established philosophy. Does our institution align with the values of Plato? Or perhaps Milton? Maybe just our own? How might this contrast with conventional pedagogy?
Looking forward, we also want to begin to make real-world considerations for our school (How many students? What are our hours? What will our food options be like?) and incorporating them into a philosophy. Overall, there's a lot to be excited about!
Mission Statement:
Mission Statement:
The mission of our school is to foster growth of ideas that sustains a love of learning for a lifetime. ((To foster lifelong curiosity and inquisition)) As an institution of education, we are dedicated to the maxim that all of our students deserve the freedom to shape their own individuality through an exploration of the humanities, the sciences, and the arts. We emphasize community engagement and encourage cooperation and service to others. We structure our curriculum so that all who leave our halls will embrace the plurality of life rather than its limits. In this way our school is prepared to embrace a more just and vital future.
We strive to instill in our students:
Knowledge of the past, perspective on the present, expectations for the future
Personal/Communal/National/Global sense of duty
Lifelong love of learning
A sense of obligation to protect our planet and its people