Our Approach
Teachers are empowered
Children learn best from teachers who are deeply invested in their practice. Perkins teachers work closely and collaboratively across grades and subject areas to build a cohesive program, and within that framework teachers have the autonomy to make their work authentically their own. We encourage teachers to bring their whole selves, their passions and their ideas to their work with children.
Lessons are hands-on and authentic
Perkins creates experiences that make abstract concepts more concrete through role playing, experiments, primary sources, building with actual materials, simulations, and using manipulatives.
Sustainability, science and math are a focus
We know that a deep understanding of science and sustainability will enable our students to be optimistic about our future. The experimentation and logic of science and math build skills that children can carry into all academic areas.
Student’s experiences are balanced and interconnected
Perkins carefully considers all aspects of our program to ensure that students have a “balanced diet” that includes time for core academic subjects, social/emotional learning, movement and the arts as well as play and unstructured time. The curriculum balances inquiry-based activities with structured skill-based learning. Children learn well when they can make connections across curriculum, so thematic studies allow students to delve deeply into a subject, reading and writing for a purpose. However, balance also means that when a skill needs to be taught separately, teachers find ways to create meaningful experiences outside of the thematic context as well.
Curriculum is differentiated
Children learn at different rates and in different ways. Perkins takes students where they are academically and has high expectations for their learning, while respecting that each child is on their own educational journey. Students who are ready for a challenge are given opportunities to stretch themselves, and those who need more support are provided it. Teachers consider all learning styles in their planning and mix group work, individual assignments, visual experiences, discussions and more into the daily work.
Students are respected
Children learn when they are interested, feel safe and are supported. Perkins staff, from teachers to administrators, listen to students to understand where their confusions lie, what issues they are grappling with, or what they are interested in knowing. Skills can be learned through a variety of contexts and knowing students well allows us to harness their energy around a particular topic. Students are taught to disagree respectfully, inquire independently, and understand themselves and how they fit into the world around them.
The community is kind and inclusive
Perkins teaches students to respect ideas of others, to problem solve and to accept one another. We discuss all sides of issues and help students to learn from multiple perspectives. Through Character Education lessons and class discussion, students are taught skills to enter into play, listen actively to one another, resolve conflicts peacefully, and respect what each person brings to the community.