Foundations

Passion For Learning
We are devoted to the development of our students as lifelong learners and critical thinkers. This begins with our teachers, who themselves are passionate academics committed to professional development. They create a safe, nurturing environment where students are encouraged to take chances and understand not only the breadth of material but its meaning as well. Simultaneously, we maintain an active relationship with the cultural and academic resources that exist in the surrounding area. It is thus that our students are provided with a challenging curriculum and then inspired, rather than pushed, to meet this challenge.

Academic Excellence
Core Curriculum: English, Mathematics, Spanish, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies/Religion, Art, Music, and Drama.

Woven through our developmentally based curriculum is our commitment to excellence in all areas of the liberal arts, using the best practices of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). Our challenging and rigorous course of study becomes cohesive in its interdisciplinary format, allowing students to make connections between disparate subject areas. Small class size, an impressive teacher-to-student ratio and individual attention allow students to grow as learners and master the fundamental materials that make up their educational foundation. Technology is indeed integrated into the program to prepare students for a world more and more entrenched in the electronic medium. Assessment is done continuously, but formal in-depth progress reports are released quarterly, with parent-teacher conferences taking place twice yearly, and as needed.

Creative Exploration
Rooted in the idea that all students have creative talent, our arts program values the power of imagination. Participation in the visual and performing arts allows students to learn by doing and value the process of creation, not merely the product. Our excursions to community performances and art shows and an active visitors program that brings artists and musicians into the school environment engage students in the arts. Through the establishment of a full arts curriculum, students will become fluent in a visual, musical and performance language that empowers them to interact with the creative world.

Physical Challenge
In keeping with a celebration of the mind-body connection, our physical education program requires full participation, through which our students learn the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, self-confidence, self-improvement, cooperation, and physical challenge. Our program is focused on participation and is meant to lay the groundwork for a future of fitness and wellness.

Spiritual Curiosity
As an Episcopal school, we consider it our mission to foster the spiritual lives of our students. Our program includes three chapel services per week--one specifically Episcopal and the other two providing time for exploration of other faiths and the celebration of school achievements. Through the observance and understanding of the meaning of religious holidays and events, and through our religious studies curriculum, we encourage our students and teachers of different faiths to discover their moral and spiritual compass. The Episcopal context allows us to address the complexities of ethical issues, of human relationships and the role of spirituality in the lives of our young students.

Self and Society
We believe that attention to character is crucial to the development of the whole person. Within our school, the ideals of respect for self and others, tolerance and celebration of difference, and integrity are promoted daily through the interactions between students and faculty and among students. Looking outside our walls, we encourage empathy for others, community service, and a worldview that provides perspective and understanding. Service is promoted through school-sponsored events and programs. We maintain our commitment to diversity by recruiting students and faculty of all races, cultures, religious faiths and socio-economic backgrounds.

SEACOAST ACADEMY
An Independent Middle School