Student to Student

We are firm in our belief that learning does not pass just from the teacher to the student; the relationship between the student and his or her peers is also vital. If we are, indeed, a community of scholars, each is involved to some degree in the educational experiences of others, both in and out of the classroom. Much of this interaction among students takes place between classes or after school and, in varying degrees of formality, from self-scheduled group study sessions to impromptu discussions.

The more formalized situations in which students learn from one another are the responsibility of the Commissioners of Education, who develop and maintain a peer-tutoring system with the help of the faculty. Student experts in certain subjects, recommended by the faculty, are available to assist students who need extra coaching in those subjects.

Students are always expected to behave in a manner that creates an atmosphere of mutual respect, which is essential to learning and expressing new ideas. Any words or actions that are disruptive to the learning process should be avoided, especially those behaviors that could possibly demean or ridicule others. A crucial element of this atmosphere is the students' abiding by the tenets of academic integrity, which involves respecting the intellectual property of others.

In addition to tutoring, students are encouraged to participate actively in student government. In this setting, students not only assist in governing the school but also in developing the policies under which they and their peers learn and live. To serve effectively in student government is to give to the school community in a number of ways, not the least of which is the opportunity to provide models of strong leadership.