Our Mission, Philosophy and Goals
Our Mission and Philosophy
Southside Family School (SFS) is a small urban k-8 program dedicated to academic excellence, innovation in curriculum, and parent and community involvement. We offer small class sizes that concentrate on individualized instruction and a warm and safe learning environment. We focus on a social justice curriculum that teaches students to be independently minded citizens who respect themselves and others. We stress basic skills, encourage creative expression and offer a range of electives. In an atmosphere free of racism, sexism, classism and homophobia, we:
- Honor diverse cultural identities
- Encourage volunteer participation
- Use the community as a classroom
- Develop curriculum
- Advocate for families
- Engage children in issues of social justice, decision-making and problem solving
Our Goals
The goals of Southside Family school are to provide Active, "hands-on" learning activities:
- Creative play and artistic expression
- Structured ("paper and pencil") individual learning
- Group discussion and problem solving
- One-on-one instruction and evaluation with a teacher
- World exploration outside of school--field trips, cultural events, etc.
- Conversations, lessons or activities led by youth or adults other than SFS staff
