Our Mission
The Sycamore School exists to educate unique children together in a way that enables long-term life success, not just academic achievement. Our goal is to work with families to create joyful, life-long learners that grow intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially through a rich curriculum, play-centered exploration and authentic relationships.
We believe
-Families are the most important learning environment for any student. Families should be respected, supported, equipped; this happens through intentionally cultivated collaborative relationships among families as well as members of the broader school community. Family volunteers are an essential part of Sycamore and our schedule is designed to allow children time to play and to participate fully in their families and communities.
-Appropriate social, emotional, and physical development lays a crucial foundation for academic growth. Children are whole people and knowing and supporting the child well in each of these areas is the goal of the school and teacher. Our small class sizes, a rich, generous curriculum of real-life experiences, and narration-based assessments help accomplish this goal.
-Young children construct knowledge best through a variety of structured and unstructured exploration experiences in a secure, creative environment. Real books, real experiences, the natural world, and a child’s innate curiosity are some of the most important tools of education. In this way children discover learning is for life, not just for school. We prioritize experiences with art, music, and the outdoors and draw from Charlotte Mason, classical, and Montessori educational philosophies in our structure and curriculum.
-Every child’s individuality should be respected; children bring varying life experiences and learn at different paces and this diversity is valuable. The Sycamore School is intentionally seeking to build sincere, collaborative community among students and families of different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.
-The whole child includes a developing spiritual and moral character. We believe in the one, eternal God, existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the salvation available by grace through faith to all believers. Our approach to education is a part of our response to Jesus’ command to love one another. While we believe the most important responsibility for teaching character and faith lies with families, we care deeply about supporting and empowering families to nurture their child’s spiritual growth.