Who we are:

Our Mission

The Central Park School for Children is committed to nurturing and guiding the natural eagerness of each child to explore, grow, and relate to others. The school is founded on three principles: that children are naturally full of life, power and confidence; that the best available research should guide our methods; and that children develop best in a community where curiosity, challenges and learning are valued. The school will create a community of partners to guide, cherish and be amazed by the children.

Educational Philosophy, Curriculum and Methods

The Central Park School for Children is unique among public elementary schools in Durham because of its child-centered educational philosophy. At Central Park, the organization of the school and the methods we use to teach children emerge from our knowledge of how children learn best and from our belief that, given appropriate opportunities, children will actively and enthusiastically participate in developing their own abilities and identities.

Because our methods derive from a childcentered perspective, our classrooms look and feel different from traditional public school classrooms. Three research-based concepts shape our curriculum and methods:

Many aspects of our child-centered approach to education require a high level of commitment from our parents. As partners in the educational process, we expect that parents will contribute to our school community and support the healthy development of their children (please see details of our "Partnership" vision in application materials). While we do not assign "homework" in the traditional sense, we do ask that parents spend 30 minutes each day reading with their child. We also hope that parents will enthusiastically involve themselves in the daily activities of their children and share in their joyful discoveries.

Class Size

Classes will be limited to 14 students with one teacher. There will be a regular flow of other adults interacting with the children.

Testing and Assessment

The Central Park School views academic skills and knowledge as essential tools for communicating ideas, solving problems and achieving goals rather than as ends in themselves. The School will establish a foundation of basic skills and knowledge but will also focus on higherlevel thinking skills and the development of individual talent, character and ambition. Unfortunately there are no standardized tests that adequately measure these qualities in young children. Although the School will administer those standardized tests required by the NC Department of Public Instruction, the school will focus on Authentic Assessments, Naturalistic Assessments and Process Assessments as recommended by the Coalition of Essential Schools. Parents and teachers will regularly communicate regarding each child's progress.