The premise of our mission is that every child is unique, and so we must be versatile in our approach to educating each child who enters our doors. While we believe that our small, multiage classrooms and flexible curriculum provide an excellent learning environment for most children, we find that those who succeed best at Summers-Knoll often fit into one or more of the following broad categories.

Bright
Bright children glow when they are in a stimulating environment. These children are often eager to learn. They generally have positive feelings about school, do well academically, and wish to spend their time seeking and acquiring knowledge. The benefit of Summers-Knoll for these children is our reinforcement of their quest for knowledge. We provide an environment in which children are free to learn at their own pace and in which their love of learning is nurtured and encouraged. At Summers-Knoll, bright children are allowed to seek and explore in an effort to attain the wisdom they desire.

Creative
Creative children are revolutionaries when in an exhilarating environment. These children see the world in a different way and express their vision through their approach to their studies. Whether it is artistic, scientific, or practical, it is their fresh approach to tasks that sets them apart. The benefit of Summers-Knoll for these children is the flexibility of our curriculum. We allow students the freedom to approach tasks from a variety of directions and not by following one prescribed methodology. At Summers-Knoll, creative children are encouraged to explore their unique approach to learning within a safe, connected environment.

Gifted
Gifted children are those unique individuals who possess advanced cognitive ability and heightened intensity, the combination of which causes an inner experience and awareness that is different from the norm. These children face unique challenges as they seek to navigate the world while coping with intellectual and emotional development exceeding that of many of their age mates.

The benefit of Summers-Knoll for these children is our philosophy of limitless learning within protective boundaries. We are keenly aware that gifted children require support and guidance while exploring their giftedness. At Summers-Knoll, gifted children are encouraged to soar without the pressure of unrealistic expectations and permitted to define their unique identities without the fear of being judged.