
Home History Educational Philosophy Curriculum Overview Admissions Calendar News FAQ 75 John Street Providence, RI 02906 (401) 301-1308 info@thelaurelschool.org site design by maggie rose consulting	Educational Philosophy The creative interaction among all members -- students, teachers, parents -- is the hallmark of what makes the Laurel School an educational experience unlike any other. Well-reasoned, Challenging and Engaging Course of Study Is Determined: First: Teachers evaluate and get to know students. Second: At a meeting with the family and student, the teacher determines a set of objectives, interests and goals for the student. This is based on the teacher's consideration of appropriate knowledge and skills base for the student in conjunction with the student's individuality. Third: At subsequent meetings, these are considered and changed or adjusted as needed. Group Dynamics in the Classroom: Teacher and students discuss, evaluate and revisit the behaviors and rules that enable a nurturing and exciting classroom atmosphere. The result is an environment where everyone feels both safe and invited to venture out -- to explore, inquire and grow. Students as Individuals: The fact of the students as unique individuals, with abilities, interests and needs of their own, is a given, a starting point. Using the plan set up in the Family-Teacher meetings, the teacher designs and continually adjusts a course of study as the year progresses. Thus, each student is able to bring his or her best self to the school day, as they develop their academic, social and emotional selves. Academic Excellence, Resources, and Expectations: The teacher chooses classroom resources with great care, always seeking materials of the highest calibre so that students are consistently challenged to think and to question. The school draws on the expertise and generosity of the resources of the larger community: - parents - universities - libraries - institutions The bar is set high and with guidance from each other and from the teachers, students consistently meet and exceed the challenges with which they are presented. Student to Student: We've had to coin a term for the interactions among our students: peer inspiration. Unlike peer pressure, where students feel the unpleasant force of competition, with peer inspiration students work side by side on group and individual projects to each bring forth the best of what they have to offer.

Educational Philosophy

The creative interaction among all members -- students, teachers, parents -- is the hallmark of what makes the Laurel School an educational experience unlike any other.

Well-reasoned, Challenging and Engaging Course of Study Is Determined:

First: Teachers evaluate and get to know students.

Second: At a meeting with the family and student, the teacher determines a set of objectives, interests and goals for the student. This is based on the teacher's consideration of appropriate knowledge and skills base for the student in conjunction with the student's individuality.

Third: At subsequent meetings, these are considered and changed or adjusted as needed.

Group Dynamics in the Classroom:
Teacher and students discuss, evaluate and revisit the behaviors and rules that enable a nurturing and exciting classroom atmosphere. The result is an environment where everyone feels both safe and invited to venture out -- to explore, inquire and grow.

Students as Individuals:
The fact of the students as unique individuals, with abilities, interests and needs of their own,
is a given, a starting point. Using the plan set up in the Family-Teacher meetings, the teacher designs and continually adjusts a course of study as the year progresses. Thus, each student is able to bring his or her best self to the school day, as they develop their academic, social and emotional selves.

Academic Excellence, Resources, and Expectations:
The teacher chooses classroom resources with great care, always seeking materials of the highest calibre so that students are consistently challenged to think and to question. The school draws on the expertise and generosity of the resources of the larger community:
- parents
- universities
- libraries
- institutions

The bar is set high and with guidance from each other and from the teachers, students consistently meet and exceed the challenges with which they are presented.

Student to Student:
We've had to coin a term for the interactions among our students: peer inspiration.
Unlike peer pressure, where students feel the unpleasant force of competition, with peer inspiration students work side by side on group and individual projects to each bring forth the best of what they have to offer.