An education at RCS is founded in the philosophy of the Progressive Education Model (PEM). This model of education, as described by Alfie Kohn, has eight main characteristics. PEM values attending to the whole child, community, collaboration, social justice, intrinsic motivation, active learning, deep understanding, and taking kids seriously. We work hard to pursue these values every day. Integrated throughout our program, you will see these characteristics of PEM in our hands-on learning strategies, multi-age classrooms, parent involvement, community interactions, school traditions and real-life skill building. Our ultimate goal is to support students in becoming confident and compassionate people who will be the dreamers, thinkers, and doers of tomorrow.