Mission Statement
We believe that each child has within them the power and ability to make the world a richer place. We wish to serve as the catalyst that sparks that power within each child, enabling them to reach their full potential. By providing an environment that is academically excellent, focusing on basic values and responsibilities, developing high expectations for children, fostering creativity and individuality, we can expect and celebrate each child’s ultimate success.
Mission and Values
Our Values
We value basic strong education. Students will study the basics, reading, writing, arithmetic, social studies, English, science, art, music, physical education, and languages. Children will have a strong education when they leave our school. They will be well prepared to pursue their next educational experience regardless of the setting.
We believe in teaching values. At Footprints Academy, we have high academic expectations for students. We believe that there is more to education than basic academics. Students will understand their place in society, and work to be productive members of the community. They will recognize their ability to make the world a brighter place. They will learn to be kind, ethical and good to people.
We believe in setting expectations and enforcing consequences. Education cannot take place without discipline. Students will learn the self-discipline required in order to succeed in accomplishing their own unique educational goals. We believe in setting high expectations for children, and expecting students to meet those expectations. Discipline problems disruptive to learning will not be tolerated.
We believe in each child as an individual. Children all have different ways of learning. While we believe in focusing on the basics of education, we recognize each learner needs to pursue their own educational goals, and understand that one method will not be right for each learner. Our teachers believe in each child as an individual, and will work to find the right method of teaching for every child. Students are free to express their opinions, contribute to their education, and develop their own learning styles.
We believe in our teacher’s unique ability to create and develop curriculum. We do not have a “prescribed” curriculum. Rather, we focus on hiring the best and brightest teachers; we find the teachers who are talented and creative, and give them the power to develop wonderful programs for children. Our curriculum director will work to develop the programs that will be used in our classrooms, but a great deal of freedom will be left to the individual teachers. We have developed a philosophy that guides the selection of our curriculum. Each teacher works within the guidelines of our philosophy, but is free to teach using many of their own ideas and creativity, provided educational and developmental goals are met.
We believe in each child’s right to be safe at school. Each child has a right to feel safe and secure at school, and to always know that they are protected from harm while they are within our walls. We will not tolerate violence. We will have a strong security program, requiring all visitors to check in at the school office. We will put whatever security measures in place that are necessary to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
We believe that students must take responsibility for their own education. Education is not something that you inject into a child. Children must have the desire to learn in order to be successful in school. We expect that each student will take responsibility for their education, and actively participate in learning.
We believe that a child can only succeed with the love and support of parents who are interested in their education. We require the participation of parents in many ways. Through volunteering in the classroom, showing interest in your child’s learning, chaperoning field trips and other events, and being present in your child’s life, you can help them to succeed in school. Parent-school communication is essential for each child’s success at school. A child’s education is ultimately a partnership between the student, teacher and parents. By being involved in your child’s education, you will greatly increase their chance for success!