Our Beliefs:

The faculty and staff at Downtown Elementary School believe:

* All students can learn and be successful when they are actively involved in the learning process.
* Student self-assessment and goal setting is imperative for all students to become confident, self-motivated, life-long learners.
* Student learning is the chief priority of our school and the primary focus of all educational decisions.
* Varied and ongoing assessment techniques inform students, parents, and faculty of academic progress and provide valuable data for continuous improvement in curriculum planning, implementation, modification, and reflection-based practices.
* Research-based strategies, technology enriched curriculum and varied teaching techniques are the basis for effective instruction that supports multiple learning styles.
* A safe and supportive environment allows students to take risks while encouraging creativity, exploration, and achievement.
* Involvement of the family community, and other stakeholders in shared decision making is critical for educational success.
* A culturally diverse student body increases awareness and respect for different poeple and cultures, and increases appreciation for diversity in thinking.