We believe education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life, and a science of relations. We believe that, as much as possible, the school atmosphere and environment should be pleasant and home-like. Education is not something that happens only in school--its reach and application extend to all areas of our daily lives. When we separate “learning environments” from “living environments,” we sever natural connections that might be made between study and application. We believe that people who enjoy learning make the best teachers. When we take time to delight in new skills or knowledge, we model joyful learning for our children. It is an integral part of our model to provide opportunities for our parents and teachers to learn and grow together so that we can provide for our children out of full hearts and minds. We also believe it is the function of a teacher to curate a feast of information and guide students to make their own discoveries and connections. Though lecture may have some place in the classrooms of older students, in a CM classroom, the well-prepared teacher presents a wealth of quality materials and ideas, then guides students through their studies by questioning and offering points of refinement. Emphasis is on discovery, listening, questioning, problem-solving; research. (As opposed to memorizing facts to be regurgitated for assessments.) This method can be a difficult transition for those who come from traditional educational backgrounds, but we believe it creates ownership on the part of the student. This method is our goal, and something our teachers will study and refine. For further reading, we suggest Charlotte Mason’s 20 Principles Ambleside Online’s Annotated Charlotte Mason Series We believe that people were created for physical activity, skill mastery, and close ties to nature. Our bodies and our minds share a connection, therefore we cannot neglect physical activity as part of our education. When we spend time in nature, in games, in learning skills like crafts, drawing, or music, we come closer to realizing our potential. There is nothing like the satisfaction from the observation of beauty, completion of a challenge, or movement to bring health and vitality to our lives. We also believe it is important to expose children to a range of activities. One student might discover a love of drawing, horticulture, or coding when they might not have had that opportunity at home. Sharing skills and resources is a strength of learning in community and we look forward to growing together.     We believe that narration is vital for the assessment and retention of information. Narration is the process of retelling information that has been relayed. In the beginning stages, this means the teacher reads a quote or short passage, and the student retells that information. With time, students learn to listen closely, retain information, and assimilate it in a personal way. In a classroom setting, this may mean students learn to take notes from a primary source read aloud. Coupled with IEW’s writing program, our middle school students will have exceptional ability to glean information from research or lecture. These skills have immediate as well as future application!