Ventana Values
Wonder Constantly
We believe in the power of questions: the imagination it takes to have them and the courage it takes to ask them. We encourage each other to wonder and to ask, because we know it is not the answers that are important, but the process of exploration.
Work Together
The future needs people who can work together to take on big challenges with resilience and perseverance. We partner together in the adventure of learning, practicing being strong communicators and good citizens. We view our mistakes and disagreements as opportunities for growth, and support each other in taking appropriate risks and learning from unexpected outcomes.
Bring Your Whole Self
Each of us brings our whole selves to school every day: our intelligence, our hopes, our interests, our experiences. We believe a robust education goes beyond academics to support the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every member of our community. This conviction is seamlessly integrated into everything we do.
Appreciate Each Other
We celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of the Ventana community and of our wider world. We believe perspective makes us stronger and that fostering an accepting, globally-minded community is crucial to creating an environment where students look beyond themselves to consider the experiences of others.
Choose Kindness
We face challenges head-on and look for the best – in ourselves, in others, and in difficult situations – because we believe kindness and compassion are sources of great strength. By choosing kindness we cultivate empathy, curiosity, and the capacity to stand in solidarity with one another.
Respect Nature
Nature is one of our greatest teachers. Staying grounded in what is real helps us to make meaning of concepts that can seem abstract. We believe interaction with nature is integral to making deeper connections to self, others, and the wider community.
Mission
Ventana School is a progressive, Reggio-inspired Episcopal school. We educate the whole child: intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually. We inspire children to have an inquiring mind and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, and the gift of joy and wonder in the ever-changing world. We nurture a community in which creativity, imagination and the spirit of learning thrive.
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:
Learning for a Lifetime
Expected School-Wide Learning Results for Students are:
Critical thinking and problem solving skills
Creativity and ability to think flexibly and “out of the box”
Ability to engage with questions and communicate reflections
Responsibility for constructing one’s own knowledge
Appreciation of community and ability to work well in groups
Self-confidence and ability to collaborate
Social emotional growth, including empathy and conflict resolution
Self-expression skills
Intrinsic motivation