DC Prep aims to create self-aware, reflective, and disciplined learners. Character education – both the articulation of the school's core values and the day-to-day demonstration of these values – is an essential component of DC Prep's approach. The program includes these key elements.
School Motto:
Students at each campus are guided by a student-friendly motto that captures the school's core values.
- The elementary campuses have adopted DC PREP standing for Determined, Caring, Patient, Respectful, Engaging, and Proud.
- At the middle school it's "Do the RIGHT Thing", where RIGHT stands for Respectful, Intelligent, Genuine, Hard-working, and Team-oriented.
- At all campuses, DC Prep's values permeate the atmosphere and are modeled and reinforced by the adults.
Social Skills Development
Students at all campuses participate in developmentally-appropriate programs that contribute to healthy social development, build strong study and work habits, and foster a positive learning community.
- Students at the elementary campuses are guided by Project CLASS a program that gives students the tools to build strong relationships with their peers and adults.
- Middle school students participate in Prep ED — DC Prep's customized version of a nationally-recognized character education program.
Sweating the Small Stuff:
A detailed set of expectations, a strong incentive system, and a clear and transparent Code of Character are communicated to all students and family members.
- We pay close attention to the smallest details of student behavior including attendance, punctuality, and homework completion.
- An incentive system in which students can gain – and lose – DC Prep "dollars" provides a very concrete measure of student performance in the character arena.
- Weekly "Prep Checks" keep parents apprised of their children's behavior at the middle campus.
- Teachers are united in reinforcing the school values, the discipline policy, and the incentive system so that students receive clear and consistent messages about appropriate and productive behavior.
- All students wear the DC Prep uniform.
Community-Building:
Creating a shared culture and sense of place helps to involve all students.
- At the elementary campuses, community rituals include daily circle time, share time, and lower and upper school community meetings.
- Each day at the middle school begins with a school-wide, academy-wide or homeroom advisory meeting where faculty and students explore and reflect upon the school's core values.
Parent Communication:
We foster a home-school partnership and shared aspirations.
- At the middle school, parents receive weekly "Prep Checks" detailing students' behavior including attendance, punctuality, uniform, homework completion and positive participation in class. Elementary school parents receive such communications on a frequent basis.
- Family Literacy and Family Math nights occur several times a year at all campuses.
- The Parents Association is developing in concert with the growing campuses, with the most mature PA at the middle campus. Parents at all campuses are involved in planning social and educational activities that support the school and the parent community.
Leadership:
Character development is nurtured and rewarded.
- Students at the middle campus have opportunities to grow into leadership roles. 7th and 8th graders participate in leadership clubs such as Prep Squad and Service Learning.
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