A Culture of Participation

As a group of people who have come together with the common purpose of improving the education process for our children, each of our activities and relationships are rooted in the democratic principle of respect for one another and in recognizing the ability of each individual to contribute.

Our culture works towards accommodating individual differences and values uniqueness not just in token ways, but rather by trying to create a genuine atmosphere of warmth and belonging where debate, dialogue and sharing are encouraged in numerous ways.

Parents and grandparents are invited to participate in regular open houses, conduct story sessions and craft classes, all with the aim of encouraging deeper family interaction and participation in school processes.

Students are encouraged to play a key role in defining the rules of school governance, curricular construction and transaction. Participation in student councils and student- nominated collaborative projects/ topics for learning are initiatives that help them develop a sense of ownership.

Educators too, are not restricted by the stereotyped roles defined by their domains. We try to help them participate in a more complete way, using all their talents and abilities- for example, a science teacher for middle school, if proficient is encouraged to take classes in the performing arts field.