Our Philosophy

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We encourage children to pursue their intellectual curiosity and creativity to think for themselves. We guide them as they develop their own ideas and seek creative solutions to problems. Teachers nurture critical thinking by encouraging students to work without fear, ask questions, analyze, and draw logical conclusions.

We treat children from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds with respect and dignity. Children learn to value diversity and recognize the benefits of social equality. The atmosphere at Ullens School helps children learn self-respect along with respect for others. Self-discipline grows as the child comes to believe “I am capable,” “I am needed,” “I can influence what happens to me.” In fostering self-discovery, we seek to develop a child’s intellectual and social skills equally. Our aim is to empower children to become responsible and capable adults.

The following points best exemplify our guiding principals:

A.  Education develops the whole child so that each child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs are addressed.

B. Education leads to deep understanding of important concepts and mastery of essential skills through instruction which is based on well-researched teaching and learning strategies.

• Learning is “child-focused”: new learning is connected to and modified for students’ prior experience and knowledge.
• Learning is active: students are engaged with real experiences and “hands-on” activities which help them develop (construct) their own understandings.
• Learning is students engaged in critical and creative thinking: students deepen their understanding through questions which ask them to solve problems, make connections, draw conclusions, and articulate their own ideas.
• Learning is students reflecting on what they have learned from their experiences: Through sharing and articulating their learning in groups, students become aware of and take responsibility for their own learning.

C. Education is enhanced through respectful, open, and supportive relationships between students and teachers. Students are encouraged to be creative and to share their ideas and feelings.

D. Education is interactive meaning that parents and teachers are engaged in a partnership through which they support each other to provide positive learning environments for children.