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TOUCHSTONE'S PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS
Mission
We envision a world of life-long learners, participating in communities in which each member cares for the
social, emotional, physical and intellectual well being of all in the community. We envision communities working
together to care for, appreciate, and protect the earth and universe we inhabit.
Touchstone’s mission is to gather families that share this vision and to offer a child-centered educational
program and environment that will nurture competent, thoughtful and enthusiastic
life-long learners.
Touchstone believes that education must be transformative. The educational experience should reveal to all
students their unique qualities and capabilities and their responsibility to put their uniqueness at the service of
society and the earth.
Philosophy
The heart of Touchstone is the education of the whole child. We believe that the social, emotional, intellectual,
physical, ethical and creative aspects of children’s development are inseparably entwined. We strive to
achieve our mission in the following ways:
An Integrated and Interactive Curriculum
Touchstone encourages students to create meaning and actively engage in their learning. The skills and
strategies of literacy, mathematics, social and physical sciences and the arts are taught in an integrated
manner that enables students to engage more deeply in the content and processes of learning. Students
interact with each other and their environment in both physical and abstract ways and are encouraged to
take initiative and make choices in the active pursuit of knowledge.
Child Centered Teaching Methodology
Touchstone empowers teachers to develop meaningful curriculum and methods of assessment consistent with
the school’s commitment to excellence in developmental teaching practice.
Educational Partnership
Touchstone cherishes and seeks to build on the inherent motivation for learning that children bring from home
to school. Teachers, parents, and staff share their respective knowledge of the child and view each other as
partners in the child’s educational development. In addition, the generous and active involvement of all
community members in volunteer roles sustains and develops this educational community.
Respect for Individuality
We respect and value the individuality and uniqueness of each child, and instill respectfulness in each student.
This focus on the uniqueness of each child is evident throughout the educational program, in relationships
between families and staff, and in the organization of the school. Touchstone acknowledges, celebrates, and
teaches to many different learning styles within the classroom.
Respect for Diversity
Touchstone values the range of diversity found within the social world – from individual learning styles, to
differing family structures, to the varieties of cultural expression. We celebrate and nurture diversity within our
community. We are committed to an education – and ultimately a world – free of sexism, racism, and all other
forms of prejudice.