Educational Philosophy

Footprints Academy strives to provide a sound academic foundation to elementary students in a safe, caring and nurturing environment. Our dedication to providing students with a challenging curriculum and healthy environment in which to explore has encouraged our students to develop those qualities of responsibility and |curiosity essential to fostering academic success and personal growth.

We believe that children learn best, not only in a supportive environment where parents and educators alike strive to develop mutual respect with students, but also through play. We believe that learning should be fun!

Through positive action and example, Footprints works cooperatively to develop our student’s value systems which reflect an awareness of, and a sensitivity to, relationships with their environment, an appreciation of the creative and aesthetic qualities of the arts and sciences, and the promotion of better understanding among all individuals.

Upon “graduating” from Footprints, our students are expected to understand that self-respect, independence, service to others, and respect for the rights and individuality of others are equally as important as academic success. In addition, and of the utmost importance, we expect that upon graduating from our school, students will have an educational foundation that is second to none, a strong desire to succeed, and that they will possess the qualities which will ensure their continued success in school and in life.

Educational Philosophy—Specific Goals

• Help each child become a proficient reader and writer.

• Help each child develop superior skills in all academic areas.

• Help each child build self-esteem.

• Inspire each child to become a creative, independent learner.

• Encourage and foster the development of each child’s strengths.

• Help each child to develop a life long love of, and passion for, learning.

• Help to build on each child’s large and small motor skills.

• Encourage each child’s physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development.

• Help each child to develop increased skill levels in using written and spoken language in meaningful ways.

• Help each child to develop knowledge of, and an understanding of, meaningful mathematical concepts and symbols.

• Help each child begin to understand, and have a sense of, the importance and value of community.
  Help each child become a valuable and contributing member of society.

• To build a strong and safe community within our school.

• Help each child to develop control of their own behavior, through interactions with and understanding guidance from adults.

• Help each child to develop practical problem solving skills.

• Guide each child in developing a strong sense of morality & ethics.