United Community School

PHILOSOPHY

The Basic School philosophy is based on best practices that are research-based and proven to be highly effective to help students reach overall excellence. The four principles this philosophy is founded on are known as the 4 C’s:

School as Community – Parents, teachers, students, and community members unite to promote learning. Teachers are empowered to help each child reach their full potential. Parents are strongly encouraged to partner with teachers in and out of the classroom to support the learning process. Community members and organizations partner with students to facilitate learning through service.

Curriculum with Coherence – The goal of the curriculum at UCS is for students to become proficient in the written and spoken word, mathematics, and the arts. There are 8 universal experiences which all people share, known as the Core Commonalities in TBS. These commonalities provide a framework for a curriculum that is integrative, thematic, and spirals upward from kindergarten through eighth grade. Students are held to high academic standards and assessment is meaningful and woven into the curriculum.

Climate for Learning – Classes have a low student-teacher ratio to ensure students receive individualized attention. Each classroom has 1 teacher and 1 assistant. Parent and community volunteers spend time in the school tutoring students, chaperoning field trips, and supporting staff in various ways. Teachers are highly-effective and inspire students on a daily basis. Teachers stay connected with their students for 3* years through looping, a method proven to maximize instruction and improve student achievement. TBS recognizes student success does not end at cognitive development, but includes their physical, social, and emotional development as well. TBS commits to serving the whole child.

Commitment to Character – In an effort to shape the ethical and moral life of each child, 7 core virtues are emphasized through both word and deed: honesty, respect, responsibility, compassion, self-discipline, perseverance, and giving. The core virtues are taught through service learning projects, integrated into curriculum, and through the school climate.