We recognize that every child is unique and worthy of respect. Each has his or her own developmental timetable. Children become independent, self-confident, and motivated and find pleasure in learning in an environment that responds to them as individuals. This is the environment we provide at The Little School.

We know that learning is an ongoing process and that children actively construct their knowledge about the world. While young children naturally see the world as a whole experience grounded in their senses, traditional education often takes the world apart into little bits and focuses on memorization, drill, and the acquisition of discrete skills. At The Little School, it is our challenge to teach in a way that preserves and builds on the natural integration of subject matter that is the child's reality.

Children learn best when they are involved, when they are motivated to observe and experiment, and when they are encouraged to discover and to share with peers as well as with adults. A child who learns to take risks and make independent decisions gains strength, confidence, and satisfaction.

We recognize the importance of play in childhood and give students the freedom to create rich, complex, and sustained scenarios. In their play, they are capable of a high level of cooperation and imagination and are continually expanding their knowledge of the world. At The Little School, work and play are regarded as interrelated and of equal worth, and the children approach learning with enthusiasm and delight.

Curriculum emerges from a teacher's understanding of child development and sensitivity to the interests, needs, and abilities of a particular group of children. Reading and language activities, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign language, music, and art are incorporated in meaningful activities. In this environment, education goes beyond the mastery of basic skills as children are challenged to analyze, synthesize, question, and think critically.

Children who are treated with respect in turn respect themselves and others. Teachers create a climate that provides opportunities for the development of cooperation, interdependence, negotiation, and effective conflict resolution - all of which are essential for living in a complex world.

Children need to know and relate to all kinds of people in order to become effective, responsible members of society. To this end, we are committed to having a school community that includes not only racial, socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural diversity, but physical, intellectual, gender, and age differences as well. Such a school environment is invigorating, enriches all of its members and helps prepare children to live and work in the world.

Education is a lifelong process built on a foundation created in childhood. Good education is reflected in a love of learning and is characterized by skills and attitudes that enable a person to grow and adapt throughout life. At The Little School these early steps toward becoming mature, responsible, well-balanced, and well-educated members of the community are nurtured and respected.