In order to feel competent a child must not only feel successful but also feel somewhat "in charge". Therefore much emphasis is placed on developing independence in the child. In the classroom we provide the child with opportunities to make choices and decisions while teaching the criteria for making those choices and decisions productive ones.
Our philosophy is based on the belief that each child is unique. Children learn at varying paces with spurts, jumps and lulls at different points. Although we group children by "grades", this is more in terms of social-emotional growth than academic skill or readiness. We use an individualized approach to instruction with the belief that instruction should be geared to the concept or skill that the child is next ready to learn. Instruction and practice should be at the right level of difficulty so the child feels both challenged and successful.