Our curriculum at CSG is founded on a set of beliefs, values and research-based understandings that guide our entire educational program, and collectively inform the CSG Core Practices.
Purpose of Education: CSG believes that the fundamental purpose of education is to enhance the quality of life of the individual, the global community and the environment. Education opens the door to options and opportunities, allows us to discover and realize our full potential, and teaches us to live in harmony with others and with nature.
| Beliefs, Values and Understandings | Core Practices |
| CSG believes that children are highly capable and in the right environment will rise to the challenges presented to them. | CSG sets rigorous academic expectations and presents significant physical and intellectual challenges that require students to practice their learning and push their limits. |
| CSG believes that the best motivator for learning is student interest and desire. |
Students are encouraged and expected to take responsibility for and direct their own learning. |
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CSG believes that people are innately curious and that this curiosity is a vital motivation for learning. |
Teachers nurture, support and guide students’ curiosity and encourage students to seek new ways to stimulate their minds and bodies. |
| CSG values creativity and innovation as a source of learning and problem solving, and as a marker of the human spirit and the individual. | CSG students are encouraged to try new ideas and are given considerable autonomy in governance and in choosing how they will complete assignments. |
| CSG recognizes the value of the individual, the community and of diversity within the community. | CSG students and staff are encouraged to share ideas, talents and resources and to work together for the benefit of the individual, the group, society and the world. |
| CSG believes that the relationship between teacher and learner is critical to the success of the learning experience. | CSG teachers serve as expert, guide and mentor and are a source of constant support, guidance, encouragement and inspiration. |
| CSG believes that leadership skills are teachable and are an important path to self-determination and achieving one’s goals. | Students are encouraged to view every situation they encounter through the lens of leadership, and to view mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for learning. |
| CSG believes that present and future knowledge is informed by and builds on past knowledge and experience. | CSG presents the stories and contributions of past “Greats” as hallmarks of humanity and human potential inspiring fresh thought and action in the present. |
| CSG believes that learning is best served through interaction with primary sources and direct experience. | When possible, CSG engages students in “real world” learning experiences rather than lessons mediated through a human, printed or electronic source. |
| CSG values the environment and sustainable living practices. | CSG maintains an environmental code of ethics, teaches and practices Earth stewardship, and follows the principle of “do no harm”. |
| CSG believes that constructive, meaningful assessment is a vital part of the learning experience. | CSG’s ultimate assessment is a demonstration of learning, in which students present to and receive feedback from an audience of peers, staff and community members. |
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