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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.
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
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!
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