Best Fit Kids learn to adapt and change to improve their education, lives, and the lives of others, including their families, at school, and within their local community. These kids meet challenges with open hearts and minds in order to build a better future for themselves and the world. They seek solutions to problems and use their education to guide their critical thinking skills exploring innovative and creative solutions to life problems they encounter.

*I stay open to trying new things.

Best Fit Kids are relentless in their pursuit of learning, regardless of their level of interest in a given subject. These kids discover how to become passionate learners by first developing curiosity and a desire to learn regardless of obstacles. They use their knowledge to change the world around them, by making their dreams a reality and bringing their vision forth to help their communities. No matter how many times they fail they will continue to learn and grow.

*I strive to accomplish my goals.

Best Fit Kids find and develop their “voice” as it relates to them personally, socially, emotionally, and academically. Kids discover their words matter and develop a sense of responsibility for how they speak to and listen to their school community. They develop a more empathetic and compassionate voice about the world around them by balancing personal needs with community needs. These kids use their voice to build up their own confidence as well as the confidence of others, and learn to understand and express their passions.

*I stay true to myself. I am my authentic self. I use my voice respectfully. I see my community and see myself as part of that community. I am part of something bigger: family, school, community and the world.

Best Fit Kids take ownership of their learning by accepting their role as prominent team players. Students discover their words matter and develop a sense of responsibility for how they speak to and listen to their school community, with attention to both intention and impact. Academically, they learn to take on the learning process and accept responsibility for doing their best to meet short-term (daily or weekly) goals. They understand and accept that their academic team is built on a shared power structure made up of parents, subject experts, and the student.

*I can’t just do nothing. I am part of the team!

Best Fit Kids are curious about learning inside and outside of school. These kids understand not just the value, but the fun of learning, and take any subject on with enthusiasm. New topics excite them, and they consume information independent from the classroom. When kids are given the opportunity to explore the world around them they take the opportunity with genuine interest.

*I am grateful just for the opportunity to learn and expand my mind!

Best Fit Kids are thoughtful in their analysis and reflection about the world which encompasses their lives. These kids view and evaluate new information within its historical, cultural, social justice context. They learn to develop a sense of their place and personal impact in the world through reasoning and understanding the past and present circumstances that play a role in how the world works. They own their thoughts and work, sharing their knowledge and learning with an understanding that they are part of a larger community.

*I have an impact on how the world works!

Best Fit Kids are integral members of Best Fit Team, made up of parent/s, subject expert, and student, and, for college-connected high school students, our college advisor. These kids succeed in developing an understanding of their role on the team, including how they learn, what their passions are, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and accepting responsibility for their learning. Each student team member comes to an understanding of the value added to their life through their effort and participation within the team. The Best Fit Team supports each child to become unafraid and accepting of the importance of making mistakes in building their confidence so they may become self-reliant students who feel empowered to learn at a very high level in preparation for life.

*People should normalize mistakes. We will all make them, so I just learn from them and keep going.

Best Fit Kids bring their best to every class and understand the value of being engaged, now and in the future. They understand the commitment of learning, that is a lifelong pursuit and that education cannot be a half-measure. They have told themselves that they want to learn, and will show their desire to learn to the teacher, to their fellow students, and to everyone else.

*I commit to learning, and I want to be an example of a great student.

Best Fit Kids are scholars (a scholar is “one who studies”) who come to understand that learning itself is part of the maturation process, and the level and quality of curriculum provided by subject experts leads kids to a deeper desire to learn more. These students are empowered by becoming well-educated, developing a sense of their world, and becoming aware of the impact their lives have on the world they inhabit. Best Fit Kids develop the confidence to become the leader-advocates the world needs to thrive.

*A mature person is someone who is a self-reliant and contributing member of society. What I do makes a difference. My education makes a difference.