Problem, Mission, Values

A PROBLEM in Public Education 

Many elementary students are not reading at grade level or struggling at math because they are bored in the traditional public school.  We know parents are worried their child will get behind academically and fail to achieve their full academic potential.  We grow your child’s love of reading and math (the cornerstone to academic success) by integrating the arts and other fun activities into our instruction thereby increasing their chances to thrive in the upper grades and eventually enter one of the S.T.E.M. fields.   

Our Mission 

"At Nolan Creek School we integrate the arts (visual, music, design and theater) into our instruction to make learning more fun and engaging for our students.   Our graduates are more likely to find joy in one of the S.T.E.M. areas (science, technology, engineering, and math) than other students are, and better prepared for success in secondary school and beyond.  We do this while nurturing a spirit of generosity, promoting America's founding principles, and imparting 21st-century skills for living well in an interconnected world."

The Guiding VALUES 

The values that guide us, and our students, come from the "Circle of Courage" philosophy of education. The Circle of Courage is an integrated, holistic approach to child development and learning intended to promote a sense of belonging, mastery, independence and generosity*. The Circle of Courage serves as a moral character development guide for our faculty and our students and helps set the tone for the students to become successful academically.  At the core is our commitment to provide a school culture where all our students feel welcomed and know they are a vital part of the school community (Belonging). We believe that each student has unique talents and gifts that must be discovered before the student can begin to feel competent.  Increased competency enhances self-esteem and provides the motivation for further achievement (Mastery). We provide a stimulating academic experience where students can grow, develop and have ownership over their learning.  Our schools are a place where students can have the freedom to learn in their own style, at their own pace and through their own interests (Independence). We also believe every student has a tremendous capacity for good will. We teach the importance of being generous and unselfish and expect our students to serve the school and the community through participation in our various service clubs (Generosity).

Learn more about our Circle of Courage Philosophy of Education

*The Circle of Courage is a model of positive youth development first described in "Reclaiming Youth at Risk," co-authored by Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg and Steve Van Bockern.