Evergreen Avenue School has adopted the philosophy of “Schools Attuned”, a brain-based research program. This research has provided our staff with a wealth of direction and an increased understanding of how children learn. It has spurred us to new levels of academic achievement. By customizing an educational plan, the academic and emotional well being of the child is improved. Abandoning the “one size fits all mentality” and using specifically designed observational tools, we pinpoint problems more accurately, creating student management plans for success. At Evergreen Avenue School, we not only teach students, but also teach students to think about how they learn; at our collaborative faculty meetings teachers are empowered to be leaders. A greater sense of optimism is the result. In May 2002, the Evergreen Avenue School was inducted into the first group of the National Exemplary Schools Attuned Network by the All Kinds of Minds Institute.

The research on foreign language instruction is clear. Neurologically, the child’s mind is more facile than the adult’s. Our Mandarin language study enhances mental flexibility, creativity, divergent thinking and higher order thinking skills. Starting Chinese early also contributes to a multi-cultural awareness for living in a pluralistic world. Students in Grades Kindergarten – 4 receive instruction in Mandarin. Emphasizing cultural integration is a powerful contributor to the realization of our belief that all are worthy of respect and that all can learn.

It is our mission to foster a learning community in which all acquire knowledge and use that knowledge in meaningful ways. As we implement the Core Curriculum Content Standards, we keep this mission in mind. We couple instruction with character development. Our “Good Deed Tree” captures the essence of this effort as do our “Student of the Day”, “Star Students” and “Positively Great” Programs. The effects of these programs impact on a child’s sense of self…and that builds more success and greater achievement.