Philosophy

Brookland One’s educational philosophy asserts that students learn best when they are actively involved in their education, when they become responsible for their growth as students, and when their learning is based on life experiences. Brookland One expects its students to work at the highest level of which they are capable, and when their learning is based on life experiences, and because children and young adults learn in developmental stages, Waverly aims to have each student satisfactorily complete each stage before moving on.

A Brookland education incorporates all aspects of human development—intellectual, social, physical, aesthetic, and moral—and integrates learning by guiding students to be curious about all that the world has to offer. Brookland students build skills in mathematics, reading, writing, and critical thinking, while developing an appreciation for the arts, humanities, and sciences. Students develop a strong sense of themselves as individuals and as members of a close community.

Brookland is a small community, permitting students and faculty to know one another well. Frequent group work in classes enables students to teach and learn from one another. All students work individually, in small groups, and as a whole class. This close community allows teachers to create developmentally appropriate and interdisciplinary curricula.

Brookland is committed to the creation and maintenance of a peaceful and secure atmosphere, and to the non-violent resolution of problems and conflicts. Social development issues are addressed as students learn how to get along and be responsible within the school community.

Brookland believes it is essential for students to develop a commitment to the larger community. Through the curriculum and Brookland’s community service program, it is our goal that students recognize the importance of their active participation in local, state, national, and global issues. With a rich educational program as a foundation, students can contribute positively to the world in which they live.

The Brookland School district embraces diversity and values the integrity of the individual. Individual differences of religion, culture, socioeconomic status, national origin, race, ethnicity, biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical appearance, and ability are acknowledged and respected. Every member of the community strives to behave in a sensitive, tolerant, and respectful manner.

A diverse student body is an essential component of an experiential education. Students are most able to understand, appreciate, and respect differences in a setting that includes these differences. Brookland seeks a diverse community in order to fulfill its mission to provide a strong, humanistic education for all students.