Characteristics of Valor

THE BARNEY CHARTER SCHOOL INITIATIVE FRAMEWORK

  1. A curriculum that is content-rich, balanced, and strong across the four disciplines of math, science, literature, and history

  2. Instruction in the Western tradition through history, literature, philosophy, and the fine arts

  3. Study of the American literary, moral, philosophical, political, and historical traditions

  4. Explicit instruction in phonics and grammar

  5. The study of Latin as a requirement for all students

  6. An approach to instruction that acknowledges objective standards of correctness, logic, beauty, weightiness, and truth

  7. A well-educated and articulate faculty who use traditional, teacher-led methods of instruction

  8. A commitment to use technology effectively without diminishing the faculty leadership that is crucial to academic achievement

  9. A plan to serve Grades K through 12 (even if the school must open with fewer grades) so as to provide continuity and a recurrent examination of subjects throughout a student’s career

  10. A school culture of moral virtue, decorum, respect, discipline, and studiousness among both students and faculty