our four key values curiosity We Nurture Innate Curiosity In the Socratic classroom, we begin with the premise that there is always more to learn. A child’s natural drive to ask more and better questions is refined with the guidance of expert teachers who support and encourage each student’s sense of wonder. Differentiated learning, Responsive Classroom practices, and two full-time teachers in each K-5 classroom create an environment where curiosity is engaged. We nurture the willingness to take risks, and the understanding that failing and learning from mistakes are essential to the learning process. curiosity We Nurture Innate Curiosity In the Socratic classroom, we begin with the premise that there is always more to learn. A child’s natural drive to ask more and better questions is refined with the guidance of expert teachers who optimally support and enhance each student’s intrinsic ability. Differentiated learning, Responsive Classroom practices, and two full time teachers in each K-5 classroom are elements of this environment where curiosity and the willingness to try, fail, and learn from mistakes is viewed as an essential starting point for learning. community Kids Thrive in Our Community What happens at the intersection of goodness and knowledge? In the Black Pine Circle community, students learn to engage with diverse viewpoints from a place of humility and self-reflection. Cultivating empathy and active listening supports academic as well as social and emotional growth. All facets of school life reflect our understanding that we are one interconnected family, and we succeed together. In a community that sees and values each individual, students build connections that may last a lifetime. community Kids Thrive in Our Community What happens at the intersection of goodness and knowledge? In the Black Pine Circle community, students learn to engage with diverse viewpoints from a place of humility and self-reflection. Cultivating empathy and active listening supports academic as well as social and emotional growth. All facets of school life reflect our understanding that we are one interconnected family, and we succeed together. In a community that sees and values each individual, students build connections that may last a lifetime. inquiry We Cultivate an Inquiring Mind Through constant inquiry, our students develop deep understanding and exceptional critical-thinking skills. Academic excellence comes naturally to students who are immersed in a joyful and industrious learning community. Every day, our teachers partner with students to help them reach what Vygotsky called the “Zone of Proximal Development,” that vibrant state when the learner is at the exhilarating and sometimes uncomfortable edge of their abilities. inquiry We Cultivate an Inquiring Mind Through constant inquiry, our students develop deep understanding and exceptional critical-thinking skills. Academic excellence comes naturally to students who are immersed in a joyful and industrious learning community. Our faculty partners every day with students to help them find what Vygotsky called the “Zone of Proximal Development”, that vibrant state when the learner is at the exhilarating and sometimes uncomfortable edge of their abilities. VOICE Their Unique Voice Will Emerge Whatever your passion, your interest will find a home at Black Pine Circle School! Our exceptional arts program is just one way that children thrive while learning confidence, collaboration, and communication skills. By graduation, our students have developed individual passions and learned how to share that love with their communities. Students pursue mastery in the arts, in math, in our award-winning maker program, and in countless other areas that prepare them to enter high school with academic confidence and intellectual enthusiasm. VOICE Their Unique Voice Will Emerge Whatever your passion, your interest will find a home at Black Pine Circle School! Our exceptional arts program is just one way that children thrive while learning confidence, collaboration, and communication skills. By graduation, our students have developed individual passions and learned how to share that love with their communities. Students pursue mastery in the arts, in math, in our award winning Maker program, and in countless other areas that prepare them to enter high school with academic confidence and intellectual enthusiasm. How We Learn Socratic Approach Hearing and holding disparate views cultivates broad-thinking, passionate learners. Differentiated Instruction Knowing your child deeply allows us to keep them engaged and challenged. Arts & Academics Our program thoughtfully integrates arts and academics, and incorporates social and emotional learning. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion We believe that the strength and vitality of our community stems from diversity in race, sexual orientation, gender, ability, age, nationality and religion. See What Happens in Our Classrooms Key Facts Lower School 125 students 6:1 student-faculty ratio Upper School 199 students 7:1 student-faculty ratio Whole School 21 typical class size 50% faculty hold advanced degrees 1 in 3 faculty of color* Facts as of Sept 2022. * self-identified See More Key Facts Why Parents Chose Black Pine Circle School Words cannot express how much of a difference my son's kindergarten teachers have made in his life. When he started at BPC, he was shy, lacked confidence, and was very socially anxious. Through their kind guidance and support, I have watched him bloom into a confident, outspoken, friendly boy. Sonia Kumari KINDERGARTEN PARENT I have two kids at BPC. We love the academics, teachers, and community. BPC has expanded their learning services so that kids who need extra help get it, and kids that need to be challenged more are. I've never seen a school where the administration is so approachable. It's an all-around inclusive environment—everyone has a voice. We couldn't love BPC more. Torrie Lloyd-Masters 2ND & 6TH GRADE PARENT My daughter's confidence and ability to self-advocate has grown by leaps and bounds because she was cared for and nurtured by wonderful teachers along the way. We wish there was a BPC high school to move into—because we would in a heartbeat! Tonya Johnston 8TH GRADE PARENT Students are treated with respect and encouraged to take risks, make mistakes, and discover. ... our daughter is at BPC almost ten hours a day and she loves every moment of it! She enters through the gate of the school skipping in the mornings and is frustrated if we pick her up early in the afternoon. Alper Atamturk 4TH GRADE PARENT
