Students learn by doing and follow their curiosity
Hands-on exploration, arts integration, and a seasoned faculty that respect the interests and passions of their students create an engaging way to learn. Teachers are guides, not task masters, who actively engage children in the process of learning and inform their choices and decision-making.
Children are encouraged to dig into subjects in ways that resonate with them - be it by creating a structure in a 3D printer or sculpting the face of the moon- which results in learning that sticks. Integrated curriculum and faculty collaboration supports a program that gives students multiple access points to a subject.
student impact:
They develop a lifelong love of learning based on inquiry and critical thinking.
a focus on mastery that comes from within
Small, mixed-age classes allow teachers to provide differentiated instruction so that every student is truly met where they are. They learn from each other through peer collaboration and learn about themselves as they understand which aspect of our scaffolded program resonates with them.
Students do not look to grades for approval, but rather look inside themselves for evidence that they are grasping a subject to their teacher’s expectations. Through feedback and truly knowing every student, our faculty support their growth in ways that are meaningful.
Student impact:
Success is measured by a child’s intrinsic motivation and their teacher’s assessment as opposed to being taught to seek external validation for their achievements.
concentration on developing the whole child
CCS helps nurture relationships, critical thinking, and compassion which prepares students to be leaders and change-makers in middle school and beyond. Children learn in a caring, safe setting that empowers them to become exactly who they are.
Social-emotional learning in a collaborative environment goes hand-in-hand with rigorous academics.
Student impact:
Our graduates are self-aware people who advocate for themselves and others and know their individual value in an ever-changing world.
Education for Democracy
Learning in a diverse environment enables students to appreciate different perspectives. There are deep connections to our immediate and neighboring communities as well as a focus on social justice.
Children develop a sense of agency and respect their place in their world and their ability to make a difference.
Student Impact:
Students of all ages have a strong sense of belonging, compassionate outlooks, and a drive to affect positive change.
Reflection and discussion that opens minds
Structured reflection, community “talk it outs”, and ongoing discussions throughout a study yields active learners who take ownership of their education. Students consider new information in a larger context, connecting recent learning to elements of their lives.
Evaluating a project, sharing their learning with the broader community, and considering what could have been done differently all lead to a more thorough understanding of a subject or belief.
Student Impact:
Community is valued, knowledge is multi-layered, and students take note of their observations to form rich experiences.
These unique aspects of our program lead to our graduates having tremendous success in middle school including matriculation to multifaceted public/charter/magnate schools and the most competitive independent schools such as:
Archer
Brentwood
Buckley
Campbell Hall
Chaminade
Country School
Harvard Westlake
Immaculate Heart
Manzanita
New Roads
Oakwood
The School of Los Angeles
Sierra Canyon
Tree Academy
Viewpoint
Waverly
Wesley
Westridge
Windward