5 Foundations
Creative Curiosity encourages exploration of new ideas and concepts. Students are empowered to take control of their own learning, and develop the skills necessary to be lifelong learners and innovative problem solvers.
DISCOVEREXPLORECONNECTAPPLYIdentify opportunities to learn something new or explore a concept more deeplyEngage in activities that foster imagination, innovation, and creativityArticulate their learning about a concept more deeply and/or the ways in which their views were challenged while engaging with others; Building skills in divergent thinking and problem-solving that allow for the exploration of multiple potential solutionsDevelop the ability to generate and test new ideas, and to think creatively to solve problems with others
Self Concept encourages students to strengthen self-worth by understanding their own identities and values and expressing oneself authentically.
DISCOVEREXPLORECONNECTAPPLYIdentify the factors that shape identities, including cultural, social, and personal experiences and valuesDevelop a sense of self-worth and belonging, and the ability to express one's identities authenticallyBuild skills in self-reflection and self-expression, and develop the ability to communicate one's thoughts, feelings, needs and beliefs to othersDevelop agency and the ability to make informed decisions based on one's own values
Healthy Connections begin with taking care of yourself. Students are encouraged to reflect on their healthy and unhealthy connections, work to identify their own personal needs and boundaries, and understand that for relationships to thrive they take attention and care.
DISCOVEREXPLORECONNECTAPPLYReflect on and identify what healthy and unhealthy connections look likeIdentify personal needs and boundariesPractice effective communication through active listening, compromise and boundary settingNavigate relationships with transparency, reciprocity and empathy for self and others
Critical Consciousness is the ability to understand and analyze societal structures and systems of oppression, and to take action towards social change. We encourage students to recognize and challenge the ways in which systems can perpetuate inequality, injustice and oppression.
DISCOVEREXPLORECONNECTAPPLYAcknowledge, question, and challenge inequalities and inequities that exist in systemsEngage in self-reflection and self-analysis to understand one's own role in shaping and perpetuating social, political, and economic systemsBuild skills in analyzing, and addressing biases, privileges and power dynamics through honest conversations in order to understand others' perspectives and lived realitiesCollaborate with communities to transform the systems that perpetuate inequities, injustice and oppression in relentless pursuit of liberation for all
Strategic Adaptability recognizes that students are navigating in constantly changing environments. Students are encouraged to build skills in problem-solving, flexibility, and decision-making by learning from failures and taking risks.
DISCOVEREXPLORECONNECTAPPLYAcknowledge the opportunities in adjusting to new situations, environments, challenges, and failuresIdentify and evaluate personal behaviors and responses to failure, ambiguity and change while recognizing the interconnectedness of complex systemsBuild skills in problem-solving, decision-making, and communicating to cope with change, uncertainty, and stressDemonstrate the ability to navigate unpredictable environments, learn from failure, to assess risk and take action