1. Educational Program

GOAL: Develop a demonstrably superior, research based educational program that builds 21st Century competencies and maximizes the intellectual, social, emotional and ethical potential of every student.

While Lake Forest Country Day School's mission has traditionally given prominence to providing academic rigor, it is critical that our educational program meets the needs of students who are preparing for success in higher education and life in the twenty-first century. Specifically, LFCDS must bring what we teach and howwe teach in line with a world that demands an increasingly high level of competence not only in traditional academic disciplines, but emerging twenty-first century skills as well. As we look ahead, the rigor will remain and relevance should be constantly assessed. Students must learn across disciplines, possess skills that allow them to solve problems creatively, understand how to manage, interpret and use new forms of information/technology, and to embrace a "global view" of the world. Knowledge is increasing at an astounding rate, and in light of the latest research about how the brain works and how students best learn, a superior educational program must be more than a statement of goals and objectives followed by an outline of course and study. A rigorous curriculum based on this thinking will be—by definition—fluid, vital, and constantly evolving to meet the needs of each individual student. Equally important, however, will be the School's continued dedication to aligning its academic goals with a commitment to nurturing the character and ethical citizenship of each child in a vibrant and supportive learning community. Great schools in the twenty-first century— as LFCDS strives to be—will certainly be distinguished by meeting these ambitious goals.

• Establish an ongoing, systematic process for curriculum assessment and development, and prepare a curriculum guide that clearly articulates the School's academic objectives and social goals at each grade level and across divisions.

• Ensure schedule and calendar in order to accommodate the needs of an optimal education program in an evolving world.

• Reinforce and reinvigorate the School's honor code to ensure high standards of ethical behavior and encourage personal integrity and social responsibility.

• Incorporate throughout the curriculum the use of technology to support and enhance the educational program by providing students and faculty with the tools and skills necessary to excel in the 21st Century.

• Educate all school constituencies to fully understand the philosophy, benefits and outcome of the educational program.