Learning Environment

Through the whole-child approach to learning, scholars are immersed in continuous, flexible learning environments intended to foster a sense of community and encourage interpersonal skills, problem-solving, goal setting, creativity, autonomy, and self-accountability.

The Neighborhood School Model allows scholars to develop a sense of belonging, an understanding of self, and an awareness of their place in (and impact on) the world around them. Learning is non-negotiable, we can, we will, we must be successful. In order to ensure a student-centered approach to learning we stand on the following tenets:

Be Proactive – Intentional Urgency

We strive to create a classroom environment that is productive, respectful, supportive, and encouraging. Our teachers communicate classroom expectations and model respectful interactions and behavior.

Celebrate Diversity – Culturally Responsive Instruction

We respect and celebrate each student’s background and invite students and families to enrich our lessons with their cultures and traditions. Our imagery and literature reflect a variety of cultures and family models.

Provide Guidance – Help Don’t Hurt

We guide and encourage students toward a self-directed solution by asking questions and mentoring them on their learning path. Our leaders and teachers make themselves available and we never tell them that different is wrong. We see errors as learning opportunities and students are encouraged to revisit their thinking to identify areas of future improvement.

Support Differentiated Learning – Meet Students Where They Are

Our learning environments and curriculum are adaptive to the learning needs of our students. Our classrooms can quickly transform to accommodate peer-to-peer interaction or give independent learners the space they need to focus. Scholars learn to embrace change and are encouraged to persist in any environment.

Create a Safe Space – Safety and Security is the Top Priority

We provide learning spaces that are operationally and emotionally safe for our scholars. Teachers incorporate daily conversation huddles with scholars to identify and address barriers to learning. We perform regular safety drills and inspections, to ensure safety protocols are followed up-to-date, and easily visible.

FOCUS ON LITERACY

“Literacy is the first step towards freedom, towards liberation from social and economic constraints. It is the prerequisite for development, both individual and collective. It reduces poverty and inequality, creates wealth, and helps to eradicate problems of nutrition and public health.”

– Audrey Azoulay –