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Program Philosphy

Our Program Philosphy

Building Strong Minds, Strong Values, Strong Futures

We believe that all students can succeed when provided with the right tools. At REACH, our focus is on preparing students to thrive in college and beyond, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the demands of a global society.

The foundation of our program is a STEAM-based, student-centered approach, incorporating whole-brain teaching and project-based learning. Our discipline model is rooted in Restorative Justice, fostering responsibility and community. We also nurture leadership through our six core values and weekly leadership themes, empowering students to make a difference in their own lives and in the world.

To explore each of our program components, keep scrolling.

 

Core Values

leadership

Leadership

  • Is the ability to inspire or influence others towards the leader's goals;
  • The goal of having a Leadership focus at REACH is to develop thoughtful and skilled practitioners who are equipped to effect positive social change throughout their communities and beyond;
  • Teachers expect and empower students to step into leadership roles throughout campus, on the playground, during assemblies, within the classroom, and out in the community.
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Excellence

  • Is the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.
  • From well-written classroom assignments to sportsmanship on the playground, we expect students always to perform at their best;
  • By paying attention to detail and striving to do better, students are equipped to succeed, not only in elementary school, but in High School, college, & beyond.
responsibility

Responsibility

  • Is the ability to be trusted to do what is right or to do the things that are expected or required;
  • Scholars are taught to take initiative and to get the support necessary to be successful in school and within the community;
  • We expect our students to be (1) responsible citizens, (2) engaged and informed members of society and the world, (3) opportunity seekers looking to create positive change.
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Resilience

  • Is the process of recovering from life's setbacks;
  • A curriculum that supports resilience respects the way humans learn;
  • Scholars are taught the value of bouncing back from disappointment and adversity –the art of perseverance will help them persist through life's challenges.
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Service

  • Is the act of helping others;
  • Service learning teaches civic responsibility, strengthens communities and enhances learning;
  • Service learning allows students to apply what they are learning to the real world.
Gratitude

Gratitude

  • Gratitude is the quality of being thankful, the readiness to show appreciation  and the willingness to return kindness.
  • Gratitude is strongly associated with greater happiness and helps individuals feel more positive emotions as one learns to relish good experiences.
  • Gratitude may be the most important of all the core values as one needs gratitude to be resilient, gratitude to pursue excellence, and gratitude in order to be of service to others.
  • REACH scholars are taught and challenged to count their blessings, celebrate small wins, reframe bad situations and perform random acts of kindness as a means of cultivating a spirit and attitude of gratitude. 

 

 

Student-Centered Approach

At REACH, student-centered learning means personalizing instruction to meet the needs of each individual. If one method isn’t working, teachers use alternative strategies to ensure every student can succeed. Classrooms are designed for collaboration, with flexible seating and desk arrangements that encourage teamwork and creativity.

This approach empowers students with greater ownership of their learning. They lead activities, engage in meaningful discussions, practice problem-solving skills (evaluating, analyzing, and generating hypotheses), and reflect on both what they are learning and how they are learning it. Technology extends these opportunities beyond the classroom, with tools such as Moby Max, Khan Academy, SmartyAnts, and Prodigy Math making learning possible anytime, anywhere.

 

 

STEAM Based Approach

What's in a Name?

From STEM to STEAM: STEAM = STEM + the Arts.

STEAM is a dynamic framework for teaching across disciplines. Science and technology are taught through the lens of engineering and the arts, all grounded in mathematics. This approach ties the disciplines together and brings real-world relevance into the classroom.

At REACH, STEAM ensures that all students can access the curriculum and engage in meaningful, project-based activities—regardless of their achievement level. It not only builds technical skills but also strengthens creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. STEAM is a natural way to integrate intellectual processes and prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

(Fun fact: Korea has adopted STEAM as a national teaching model from Kindergarten through 12th grade!)

 

 

Project Based Learning

Engaged Learning for Lifelong Skills

Project-Based Learning empowers students to explore meaningful problems and projects that connect to their lives and communities. By engaging with real-world issues, students gain voice and choice in what and how they learn.

At REACH, PBL is woven throughout our curriculum. Students regularly participate in collaborative projects guided by our highly qualified teachers, who partner with families and community experts. This approach helps students develop critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

 

 

Restorative Justice Practices (RJP)

What is Restorative Justice?

Restorative justice is a term used to define practices that build trust and "shift the focus from punishment of student offenses to prevention and "community building." In addition to being used to handle discipline, improve school culture, and even teach classroom content, experts contended that RJP can lead to skill-building for scholars, particularly skills relevant to social and emotional learning (e.g., how to communicate with peers and teachers, talk about situations in a calm environment, give context to situations before jumping to conclusions)."

At REACH, we are committed to fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and accountability, where restorative justice principles guide our approach to discipline and help us build a stronger, more compassionate community for all.

When consequences are necessary, they are determined through a collaborative process involving both scholars and staff members. Scholars are given the opportunity to weigh in on potential consequences, allowing them to have a voice in the decision-making process and take responsibility for their actions.

 

 

 

 

Whole Brain Teaching

Whole Brain Teaching is made up of 7 core components or strategies that utilize multiple parts of the brain. It is an engaging, multi-sensory instructional approach highlighted by kinetic gestures and peer teaching. It’s a flexible method that incorporates classroom management and is designed to be adaptable for the individual style of each teacher.

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