Mission & Philosophy

Mission

Prospect Sierra students are passionate about learning. Our exceptional teachers inspire students to seek deep, meaningful understanding; to develop strong academic skills; and to become creative and independent thinkers. Prospect Sierra cultivates compassion, fairness, respect, and individuality within a community that celebrates diversity, authenticity, and service.

Philosophy

Prospect Sierra School embodies several key assumptions in philosophy and daily practice: that learning is the young person's pathway to personal growth; that school should be both challenging and joyous; that school is a community through which students, teachers and parents develop trust, demonstrate cooperation, show respect, and acquire an understanding of the rights and needs of others; and that diversity, in its many human forms, brings quality and strength to our welcoming and inclusive school.

The school also believes that positive expectations and relationship-based teaching are essential to the learning process. We intend that our students maintain a lifelong love of learning and to become reflective, critical thinkers.

Our rapidly changing global environment requires that students develop skills and acquire knowledge, while learning to define and solve problems creatively. The school's curriculum has been crafted, and is regularly reviewed, to ensure learning activities that challenge, inspire, and encourage thoughtful reflection. Cooperative learning teaches valuable social skills and an appreciation for diversity of thought and varied learning styles. Enhancing the skills of reason, memory, and imagination encourages students to think reflectively and self-critically. Individual achievement and excellence are essential aspects of the school's ethos, and opportunities abound to recognize our collective achievements and celebrate outstanding student work.

Learning occurs at Prospect Sierra in an atmosphere of positive expectations and mutual effort between students and teachers. We encourage young people to trust their intellectual and moral powers as they develop confidence, resourcefulness, and a keen interest in the world. Our teachers nurture and draw out the inner strengths and talents of their students. Our goal is that our students will love learning for its own personal and intrinsic rewards, while finding a level of comfort in competing and succeeding on the terms of others.

A homeroom-based program in kindergarten through sixth grade and an advisory system in seventh and eighth grades are enriched by an extensive specialist program in the arts, sciences, world languages, and physical education. The school is committed to fully utilizing and integrating information technology through both its libraries and technology labs.

Parents play a vital role in building community and supporting the educational program. The school-parent partnership maintains a focus on the growth of each child. The cornerstone of the Prospect Sierra community resides in shared commitments to the school's values and aspirations for young people.