MCDS believes that:
Children grow in character and become independent thinkers through a balance of scholarly enterprise and active participation in service learning and the arts. Talented, dedicated and passionate teachers who hold high expectations and find fulfillment in their work are the greatest mentors for our students. Students succeed because they have been taught to strive for excellence, value hard work, think critically, collaborate productively, express themselves thoughtfully, step outside their comfort zone and overcome the challenges. Our students bring a variety of perspectives, personalities and passions; this diversity makes the school a community where each can learn from all. We are privileged to be educating the next generation of leaders for our community, our city and our nation; and we know that their success depends upon their integrity; capacity for managing complexity; adaptability and perseverance; and confidence in embarking upon ambitious undertakings. Students have different skills or learning styles. That’s why we create a learning environment that allows children to progress according to their potential. More about us:
Our experienced faculty will nurture students’ inquisitiveness, guide their questions and encourage their willingness to explore alternative paths to a solution. While we cover basic skills, our constructivist curriculum emphasizes projects, honors depth over breadth, and accentuates creative problem-solving. Applying skills, knowledge and ideas in new and generative ways differentiates us from schools where students often perform traditional seat work. Which is not to say we've dispensed with traditional teaching methods. Or that we believe every answer is right. We adhere to clear high standards and expect our students to master their subject matter. But above all, we seek to instill in them understanding that developing their own questions is as least as important as arriving at the right answer.
