Our Core Beliefs:
Our guiding principle is to help students develop strong foundations in reading and writing, two of the most essential
skills necessary for academic success.
Establishing strong foundations in reading and writing is a prerequisite for developing the full intellectual potential of
students. Building strong foundational skills leads to intellectual excellence and opens the way to important
opportunities such as admissions to top universities. Most importantly, we believe that possessing strong foundational
skills strengthens self-esteem and is the best way to ensure that young people will possess the confidence necessary for
living a fulfilling life of meaningful accomplishments.
Our Approach:
Our approach in teaching reading is based on research results showing that excellence and interest are sustained by
proficiency reached through intensive exposure and practice. To attain proficiency, there are key skills that must be
mastered first.
In reading, research has repeatedly shown that proficient readers are able to quickly decode words. To be able to arrive
at this stage, students must have a good understanding of phonics and possess phonemic awareness. Once students
attain a degree of decoding competence, we expose them to a wide range of literature (from the classics to contemporary
literature).
Our writing program nurtures a love of writing and the use of writing as a form of self-expression. From the early
grades on, we encourage students to give free rein to their thoughts and imagination through writing. Grammar is
introduced gradually and in the early grades grammar is learned "in context" (grammar rules are introduced as
students make mistakes in writing). In our program, students practice all forms of writing, from creative and expository
writing to research papers.
Our Staff:
Our directors and teachers are successful academics. Most are graduates of top universities and have post-graduate
degrees.
We believe the best teachers should not only teach well but should also possess intellectual depth and breadth.
