Being IDEAL

IDEAL’s unique program rests on the transformational belief that we all learn better when we learn together. IDEAL challenges and supports each student in his or her academic, social, and emotional growth, while holding contribution to the community in the highest esteem.

Our students value and seek out the perspectives of others and learn how to bring people together to make a positive difference in the community. At the heart of the IDEAL difference is our intentional approach to integrating anti-bias and multicultural curriculum. In age-appropriate ways, we address the impact of stereotyping and bias, teach conflict resolution, and encourage cooperative learning. Encouraged to bring their full identities to the community, IDEAL students can safely and confidently engage in conversation about their shared experiences and differences and seek to value, understand, and respect the perspectives of others.

Nurturing student-teacher relationships, talented, dedicated faculty, and differentiated curriculum are at the heart of our academic program and support the development of self-esteem within daily academic classes. The co-teaching model in the Lower School features a learning specialist and general educator in every classroom, working together to design multi-tiered lessons and engaging units and projects that include and grow all students. In the Middle and High Schools, a team of educators that includes general educators, learning specialists, and advisors meets regularly to plan differentiated lessons, interdisciplinary projects, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to bridge learning to life. In small, seminar-style classes, students develop empathy, critical-thinking skills, and a global perspective.

IDEAL students recognize their potential to effect change and are equipped with the tools to do so. They strive for excellence in and out of the classroom and recognize and draw out the potential for excellence in their peers. They possess the self-awareness to advocate for themselves and the compassion to stand behind their peers. They not only appreciate but also seek out difference, understanding that only in community are we IDEAL.