St. Philip’s Philosophy
The mission of St. Philip’s School and Community Center is to enhance the lives of children and families regardless of economic background but with particular emphasis on low and moderate income families, through educational excellence, Christian principles, and compatible community services.
The philosophy of St. Philip’s School is to accept students from a range of abilities and backgrounds, recognizing each child as a unique creation entitled to love, respect, and opportunities for safe and challenging passage through the early years. The school’s small class sizes and varied educational techniques enhance and develop the unique learning style of each child and aims to install and strengthen qualities that promote a secure and responsible adult life.
The philosophical grounding of the community center programing is with an aim to prepare vs. repair. There is an intentional attempt to avoid programing that is corrective in nature. The community center takes on an approach of
collaboration with likeminded entities to attract services that meet the needs of our area residents.
St. Philip’s Statement of Values
Educational Excellence: providing the strongest possible academic background and the richest possible academic experience
Educational Opportunity: providing access to an excellent education for children including those for whom such access would not otherwise be possible financially
Christian Education: providing a religious environment for personal growth shaped by the spirit of Jesus Christ
Self-Esteem: maintaining an atmosphere that develops and strengthens each individual’s sense of self-worth
Personal Development: helping to strengthen each individual spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually
Ethnic Awareness: helping to foster and nurture cultural and ethnic awareness and pride bridging racial barriers: teaching and demonstrating the value of diversity in the community and teaching the humanity and brotherhood of all people
Community: working to impact and improve the lives of people through social services, enrichment programs, and recreational activities with special focus on low and moderate income families
Curriculum
The core curriculum is enriched with specialty programs such as Spanish, music, physical education, chapel, art, library, and theater. Technology is appropriately integrated at all levels through our Early Childhood computer labs and technology courses for Kindergarten through 8th grade. Each classroom is equipped with interactive technology to enhance our students' understanding of concepts covered in class. Through our project-based learning curriculum, students in all grade levels are challenged to become not only problem solvers, but to be problem seekers that are able to contribute to their community by making a difference. Additionally, the curriculum has a strong emphasis on 21st century skills where collaboration and critical thinking are essential components to the learning process.
Purpose
At St. Philip’s School and Community Center, our revised curriculum approach aligns with our mission of delivering unparalleled education and comprehensive community services through a faith-based experience. Designed to meet and exceed grade-level expectations, our curriculum provides differentiated instruction tailored to each student's abilities and readiness, ensuring they receive the support and challenge necessary for academic success.
This approach was piloted with our middle school students, and we have seen significant success in 8th-grade high school acceptances, student self-esteem, and instructional effectiveness, demonstrating the impact of our rigorous and supportive academic model. The curriculum approach was developed based on data and feedback from parents, teachers, and other stakeholders. Students will remain in their homeroom classes and transition to their academic readiness courses for reading and math. All other classes will be with their grade level peers.
Grounded in a holistic approach, our curriculum is guided by our Graduate Profile, which prepares students to be intellectually driven, Christ-centered servant leaders who exemplify inter- and intra-personal wellness, cultural awareness, and a commitment to social justice.
Through this comprehensive preparation, students are empowered to excel academically, lead with integrity, and navigate their Life After St. Philip’s with confidence, whether they continue their education in public, private, or charter school.