Progressive Teaching at Orchard

Engaging natural curiosity of children by emphasizing the process of learning in balance with the product

Distinguishing Qualities

  • Well-Rounded Academic, Social, Emotional, Physical, Ethical Learning

    • Develop knowledge, skills, habits to prepare students for high school, higher education, life beyond the classroom, and contemporary needs of society
    • Inspire self-confidence, intrinsic motivation/responsibility, persistence and leadership skills
    • Develop character, service and personal and civic responsibility
    • Promote an appreciation of health and well being
    • Commitment to arts and physical and outdoor education
  • Challenging, Child-Centered and Innovative Teaching

    • View child as an individual with unique learning styles, strengths, and challenges
    • Differentiate curriculum, content, process, and/or product to challenge each child to meet his/her full potential
    • Encourage children to think analytically and creatively, question critically, converse respectfully, and apply learning
    • o Foster experiential, collaborative, and interdisciplinary learning
    • Utilize team teaching and grade-level teaming
  • Diversity, Inclusivity and Global Readiness

    • Embrace a diverse community, including cognitive abilities, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status
    • Value and demonstrate inclusivity and equity
    • Provide a multicultural curriculum that includes multiple perspectives, open inquiry, and honest, respectful dialogue
    • Recognize the interdependence of the world and respect the dignity of self and others
    • Develop a social conscience and challenge injustice

More Information