Harbor School Method

What is the Harbor School Method?

The Harbor School Method is a way of learning for students, a way of teaching for educators, and a way of engagement for parents.

The philosophy of a Harbor School is grounded in the belief that when there is low threat and content is highly challenging, accelerated learning takes place for all students.

We believe that all children are capable of learning to higher levels if the conditions are present to do so.  The name comes from a schools total commitment to create an environment that is a safe harbor in which students can learn and develop into capable and young adults.

The Harbor School Method has six hallmark components;

Accelerated Curriculum

High Expectations School Wide

Personal Attributes for Life

Proactive Training for Conduct

Recognition and Reward

A Safe Learning Environment

Focus on Student Learning

All schools are focused on student learning.  So how is a Harbor School different?  We believe that every child is gifted in his or her own unique way and can learn to higher levels if challenged to do so.  You will see the following practices in a Harbor school:

Accelerated Curriculum The curriculum is college preparatory for everyone.  Students perform skills that they are expected to master as well as stretch to.  These stretch skills are repeated throughout the year and into the next grade level.  Students often hear teachers say, if you dont get it today, you'll get it tomorrow. At each grade level, teachers use whiteboards or smart boards to teach concepts and skills in an integrated manner across subject areas.  Instruction is fast paced and designed to develop the knowledge and skills for critical thinking and problem solving.

High Expectations School Wide All teachers teach to the high end of ability to develop the competencies of all students.  Harbor students know what is expected of them, both academic performance and personal conduct.  Students experience the same expectations from grade to grade and teacher to teacher.

Personal Attributes for Life All education at the school helps students develop personal attributes and work habits that will serve them well in school and beyond in their careers.  Kindness, personal accountability, and citizenship are three of the character assets that are a school wide focus.

Culture and Customs

School cultures teach.  They teach through the expectations set for and by the people working in them, both children and adults.  The Harbor School Method includes routines and customs that are consistently observed throughout the school.

Proactive Training for Conduct - Expectations for behavior are taught, practiced, and modeled consistently across all grades.  Acceptable behaviors are illustrated and taught in creative, fun, and non-threatening ways to prevent behaviors that are unkind.  Students know that taunting, bullying, or negative peer pressure will be swiftly dealt with.  Students know that they are expected to contribute in positive ways to their school community and will be held accountable when they do not.

Recognition and Reward Students are recognized for their academic accomplishments and their attitudes and work habits.  Schools hold ceremonies to recognize students who demonstrate the attitudes and personal behaviors that exemplify school wide expectations.

Safe and Happy Learning Environment Teachers create environment in which students feel safe to succeed and to fail.  Students develop perseverance, effort, and interest in learning.  This builds their confidence to learn and seek challenges.  Anxiety is minimized, humor is used to teach, and students flourish.