Children enter this world with a sense of wonder that propels them to explore, invent, and discover. At Heritage School, we want to nurture question-making, theory-testing, and goal-setting. We want our students to aim high, forge ahead undaunted by mistakes, and savor the intrinsic rewards that accompany active learning. A rich and varied curriculum that fosters choice within a universe of carefully planned options supports unlimited possibilities. Children are capable of thriving in an atmosphere that both nurtures and challenges, that both allows collaboration and fosters independence.  

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The Heritage School program strives to inspire learning in an atmosphere that promotes creativity, self-confidence, responsibility, and enthusiasm for learning. Our activity-centered approach reflects our belief that comprehension and retention of concepts and skills are best achieved when children are engaged in "learning by doing." We emphasize the integration of subject areas through interdisciplinary studies, multi-age grouping, and a personalized program. 

 

We believe that in our rapidly changing world, children need solid proficiency in foundational academic skills, versatility, and the ability to "learn how to learn." Our curriculum is built not on a 'body of knowledge' to gather but a 'way of working' to embrace. Research skills, problem-solving, and self-management of learning deserve a great deal of emphasis with even the youngest students. Heritage School operates on the premise that learning should be joyful, personal, and tailored to each child's academic needs. Authentic, narrative evaluation and consultation with parents, as well as progress on learning continuums, help determine how to individualize the program for each student.

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Non-Graded Authentic Evaluation and Feedback

Testing and grades do not drive our curriculum, nor do we use them as motivating devices. We report students' progress, accomplishments, and goals through parent conferences, which students lead, and a comprehensive year-end letter. Our students contribute by completing in-depth self-evaluations. The students also participate in individual meetings with their teachers to review progress and discuss goals.

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Multi-Age Grouping

Our multi-age grouping reflects the school's philosophy of emphasizing personalized education and meets the academic and social needs of all children. Our non-graded structure enables the teaching staff to focus on developmental readiness, not merely age when determining an individual child's course of study. Students ready for more learning can move ahead at a pace that fits their academic affinities and readiness. Students who need more time with certain concepts can take the time they need to develop more thorough comprehension at a pace that fits their learning style.   

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Goals For Students

Heritage enrolls students who are responsive to direction and kind to others. During a student's time at Heritage, teachers nurture these characteristics in our students: inquisitiveness, resourcefulness, vibrancy, creativity, confidence, cooperation, flexibility, collaboration, supportiveness, considerateness, self-direction, self-motivation, attention, maturity, endurance, independence, and self-advocacy. 

The Heritage School's philosophy of active, personalized learning reflects our goals for our students.  We want children to 

• To develop into mature, articulate students who are comfortable with their voice.

• To be challenged to reach their full potential.   

• To acquire lasting self-confidence and know the sense of accomplishment that comes from tackling challenges.

• To experience cooperative learning and teamwork, to support each other's accomplishments, and to be part of a caring community.

• To develop critical thinking skills; to learn how to come to careful, informed conclusions and share them with others.

• To develop sophisticated, creative strategies for problem-solving.

• To become resilient and open to new opportunities.

• To value the dignity and worth of each individual.

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