The purpose of Pinkerton Academy is to educate high school students in order that they may lead productive, socially responsible, and fulfilling lives. Fundamental to this purpose is the belief that students and staff should strive toward the highest academic and personal standards. Our broad-based programs address and integrate the intellectual/creative/academic; personal1 social; and career development of students.

The Educational Philosophy of Pinkerton Academy

The philosophy of education at Pinkerton Academy is that students need to acquire the skills, values, behaviors, and knowledge that are essential for success in a diverse and rapidly changing society. Students also need to develop skills, talents, and abilities that will enable them to pursue new truths, knowledge, and skills. Students should also aspire to use their knowledge, skills, talents and abilities to improve the human condition. Embedded within this philosophy is our understanding of the nature of the learner. nature of learning and developmental traits of high school students.

All students are capable of learning Natural curiosity inspires most students to learn, and they are usually motivated by educational experiences that are relevant, rigorous and enjoyable. Students learn best through a variety of styles and multiple intelligence's. Students' capacities for achievement vary, and they learn at different rates. In most circumstances, students flourish when they are treated with respect and courtesy, are given responsibility, and receive positive reinforcement.

The Nature of Learning

Learning involves the acquisition, application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and integration of knowledge and skills. Learning occurs through direct instruction, experimentation, inquiry, and reflection. Learning progresses as students move from concrete experiences to abstract levels of thought. Learning is maximized when students are actively engaged in multiple sensory experiences and when they make connections between new information and prior knowledge.

The Developmental Traits of High School Students

High school students enter and exft school at different points on a developmental continuum. Their behavior can be inconsistent. Their views and decisions often reflect their limited life experiences and sense of immortality. Most high school students are beginning the transition from dependence to independence. They are searching for personal and cultural identities and are discovering their strengths and weaknesses. For many high school students, relationships are a primary concern. As a result of their need to fit in, most high school students seek acceptance into peer groups. They may begin to question values, consider alternative ideas, and take risks. They respond positively to limits, structure, and logical consequences. As they mature socially, intellectually and personally, high school students develop expanding levels of sophistication in relationship building, problem solving, thinking, reasoning, and coping. They also often assume greater responsibility and become more self-reliant.