About Us
-History
-Mission & Philosophy
-Curriculum
-Anderson Campus
-Enrichment
-Extended Day
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-Board of Trustees
-Community Service
Mission Statement
The Saratoga Independent School's mission is to empower each student to become a confident learner who is capable of critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. SIS strives to equip children with the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in an increasingly complex world, while enriching each day of their childhood.
Educational Philosophy
The educational program at the Saratoga Independent School is based on the belief that children learn best in an environment where:
- Each child is viewed as an individual with a unique learning style and
distinct timetable for mastering skills.
- Different levels of ability and achievement are expected and accepted,
and curriculum and instruction are responsive to these differences.
- A continuous progress paradigm for learning is used in which children are taught in multi-age groupings, proceed at their own pace in acquiring important skills, and move from one level to the next as mastery occurs, without regard for chronological age or traditional grade level.
Curriculum is designed to develop children's knowledge and skill in all developmental areas--intellectual, emotional, social and physical. Content is selected and instruction designed to develop children's self-esteem, sense of competence, critical thinking skills and enthusiasm for learning.
Curriculum areas are integrated so that youngsters' learning is centered around common, school wide themes, making learning more relevant and helping to impart a sense of community within the school. Direct instruction, a necessary and important part of learning, is enhanced through the use of teacher-planned learning centers and projects. Teachers guide children's involvement in these activities by extending children's ideas, responding to their questions, engaging them in conversations and challenging their thinking.
Student progress is evaluated through a combination of portfolio assessment, teacher observation, and formal and informal skills assessment. Narrative reports and skills checklists replace traditional letter grades to reflect the complex nature of learning.
Children are taught respect for others and responsibility for themselves. They are encouraged to work cooperatively. Clear and consistent expectations for responsible behavior are communicated so that youngsters may learn in a secure and happy environment.
