Children learn in a social environment of schools. They learn in and out of the
classroom. They learn by what they see, what they hear and what they do. The
Harbor School Method is built on the belief that all students should know that their
teachers have high expectations for their academic accomplishments and for their
conduct. Harbor educators intentionally design every aspect of school to provide clear and consistent expectations for students. This helps students know what is expected of them at school. The Harbor Method intentionally develops work habits in students that will serve them throughout their lives. Nurturing the development of students’ intellectual, social, interpersonal and character growth is expected to be evident throughout the programs of a Harbor School. The goal of a Harbor School is to ultimately be career, work and college ready. Here are some of the core practices at your Harbor School:

• Students are deeply engaged in their work. Engagement is defined as the extent to which a student is connected to their work. How they do in school matters to them. The adults in the school continually help students develop a sense of personal accountability and responsibility for their performance.
• Students demonstrate exemplary work habits. Because students understand expectations early and expectations are consistent throughout the school, they are able to develop work habits that serve them.
• Students contribute to a caring and kind community with pride for their school. We expect students to understand how their conduct influences others and their school. They learn “Rules and Reasons.” Teachers use stories to teach and shape student conduct.
• Students participate in service learning. Service learning is integrated in the instruction and in the school to enrich a student’s experience and to teach civic and personal responsibility. Students learn service begins in their homes and their schools.

Student Learning Core Beliefs

• Learning will accelerate when learners feel safe to discover, practice and improve.
• Work habits and dispositions are learned and are important to academic performance.
• Adults are the models from which children learn.