Learning Environment
- 94% of Baldwin students passed their PBATs in 2009-10!
- Our students are leaders in their communities.
- Our students learn to become critical thinkers & problem-solvers.
A Community Based on Core Values
The James Baldwin School is a community in which everyone is treated fairly. We don’t have deans or other staff members specially assigned to “discipline.” We all actively promote respectful speech and behavior throughout our entire community. We base our expectations on our Core Values, which we commit to living out in our daily lives:
- Respect for Humanity
- Respect for Diversity
- Respect for Truth
- Respect for Intellect
- Commitment to Justice
- Commitment to Democracy
- Commitment to Peace
Our Values Create a Unique Learning Environment
As we live out our core values, we create a community where:
- Everyone knows everyone.
- Students participate in full inclusion classes with students of different abilities and ages.
- Transfer students, who have previously experienced high school as unresponsive to their needs, are fully supported.
- Students participate in school decision-making through Town Meetings and their presence at faculty meetings.
- All students have their own Advisor, with whom they meet 4 days a week for group and individual guidance and academic counseling.
- Students can receive academic tutoring and mentoring during the school day or after classes.
Democracy & Equity:
As a fully integrated, multi-cultural learning community, we welcome students of all background and academic abilities. Each class represents a full spectrum of talents, skills and abilities; there is no tracking and every student has the opportunity to learn and to succeed. Teachers use a variety of projects and instructional methods to engage and support students with different learning styles.
Character:
In Expeditionary Learning schools, character growth and personal responsibility are as important as academic skills. To sustain the school culture and promote character growth, each student is part of an advisory class, or Crew, of about 15 students. Through all four years, Crews share adventure experiences, community service and provide students with group and individual guidance and academic counseling. Our Crews take turns leading weekly school-wide Town Meetings to help all students find their voice and speak knowledgeably and thoughtfully on issues that concern their school and beyond.
“It is your responsibility to change society if you think of yourself as an educated person.”
—James Baldwin
