• The classrooms are mixed aged. Students “practice life” in micro societies that emulate real life giving them a significant head start on the transition into adulthood.
  • Students choose their own activities, with varying levels of direction from and oversight by teachers, from a range of options and have uninterrupted blocks of work time fostering independence.
  • Immediately following introduction to new material—when a student’s interest is at its peak—is the optimal time for deep and lasting learning. CDS classrooms allow for immediate independent or collaborative work to follow.
  • Student instruction is individualized based on the characteristics, tendencies, talents and abilities of each child to improve engagement and performance.
  • Students participate in peer teaching and mentorship which promotes mastery of knowledge and skills versus test-driven memorization