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Philosophy

I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand

"The results have been magical. I feel so grateful that I found McAuliffe. I feel like it's transforming my child to be a lifelong learner, leader, and socially responsible human being. I feel like I'm rediscovering the child within myself and learning to look at the world in a more engaging way.” -Parent, 2022

Our Philosophy:

  • Is based on a developmental educational philosophy, believing a basic education must address the needs of the whole child.
  • Holds the academic, social, emotional, physical and creative growth of each child as equal in value and importance.
  • Values the concept of children developing lifelong learning skills with the emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Values the inter-relationship and equal importance of all the disciplines: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, visual and performing arts, and physical education.
  • Values participation in a community of adults and children.

Parents are trained to collaborate with teachers to facilitate small groups of students. Their participation and experience gives students personalized attention. Parents also support our community through a wide variety of activities. Parent participation is the foundation of our learning community.

"Having so many loving and dedicated adults to help you raise your children is an invaluable gift. I do also love the way they teach the kids, they really help them understand the concepts, own them, analyze them and question them. My kids understand rather than memorize. They are also comfortable talking to adults, asking questions and working in teams." -Parent, 2022

How We Do It:

  • Hands-on Learning

    • McAuliffe values direct, hands-on learning experiences and a constructivist approach to learning.
    • This approach is implemented in academic content areas, and in specials such as cooking, gardening, art and music.
    • Aside from content that is best suited for systematic, direct instruction, such as phonics, most content is presented via an experiential, hands-on approach integrated with research and directed discovery.
    • Field trips are integral to the program and several occur in each grade level every year, including overnight trips for older students.

 

  • Small Group Instruction

    • More small-group, targeted instruction can be accomplished because of the additional trained adults in the classroom.
    • In addition to parent volunteers, typically every classroom has a dedicated Instructional Assistant at least four days per week.
    • Small-group instruction allows our teachers to be more creative and targeted in meeting the needs of students.

"To be able to learn in a safe, caring environment without being afraid of failing or taking risks has been the most valuable to our family." -Parent, 2022

 

  • Whole Child Approach

    • McAuliffe has addressed the needs of the whole child for over 50 years.
    • Children learn by doing and by playing, and McAuliffe intentionally encourages both.
    • All teachers are trained in the Responsive Classroom, which is a student-centered, social-emotional approach to teaching and discipline. 
    • Students learn how to be productive members of their learning community through class meetings, conflict resolution, problem solving, and by taking on meaningful class jobs.
    • Students graduate from McAuliffe with several years of experience of interacting and problem-solving with adults and peers -- an invaluable life skill that the McAuliffe environment intentionally fosters. Our graduates excel in high school and beyond!