Philosophy

We strive to implement our mission and to instill a life-long love of learning through the following principles and practices:

"Let the Questions Be the Curriculum"

-Socrates

"My daughter's enthusiasm for learning has gone from black and white to Technicolor. Bethlehem Children's School has succeeded in creating an environment that builds both confidence and solid mastery of the basics."

--James Nehring, parent

Curiosity

We believe that students’ own innate curiosity is the best motivation. We strive to nurture and develop this natural quality.  Our methods of instruction and assessment are designed to enhance
children’s intrinsic motivation.

 Independence and Cooperation

We foster two important types of learning, independent and cooperative. We understand that a balance of the two is crucial to a good elementary education. We expect our students to become independent thinkers who are able to collaborate effectively in
many group situations.

 Flexibility

Students are encouraged to pursue their individual interests, academically and beyond the classroom. Within our academic projects and themes, assignments are often open enough to allow students to shape them to fit their own interests and perspectives.

 Critical Thinking

We create learning opportunities that help students develop strong critical thinking skills. Students learn to analyze, synthesize and evaluate information and how to defend their ideas.

"Do not then train youth to learning by force and harshness, but lead them to it by what amazes their minds so that you may discover the peculiar genius of each."

--Plato

Individualized Instruction

Our small class size and instructional approach allows us to individualize instruction. We understand that students learn at different rates and that there are many different styles of learning. With our approach, we strive to meet the needs of each child.

 Emotional Growth

The emotional growth of each student is an important part of our program. Children are encouraged to express their own ideas, questions, and feelings and to listen actively and responsively to others.  As we help children grow and develop a sense of their own identity, we also assist them in developing respect for others.

 Emotional Security

We strive to create an emotionally secure environment. Our small community fosters a caring and cooperative atmosphere.  This allows us to teach children proactively to make positive behavioral choices.

 Social Responsibility

We integrate social responsibility into our entire program. We believe in fostering basic human values such as respect, responsibility, and caring.  Respect for the environment and sensitivity toward all racial, ethnic and cultural groups are important components of the learning experience at our school. The social responsibility that we promote connects students to their local school community and to the world beyond.

Using the Environment as an Integrated Context (EIC), students are supported in their personal development to ask and respond to questions which enable holistic learning, build self awareness and develop actions which empower an ecologically sound lifestyle.