Philosophy
Inspired by the findings of Jean Piaget and the teachings of John Dewey, Waverly’s educational philosophy asserts that students learn best when they are actively involved in their education, when they become responsible for their growth as students, when they are expected to work at the highest level of which they are capable, and when their learning is based on life experiences. Children and young adults learn in developmental stages; Waverly aims to have each student satisfactorily complete each stage before moving on.

Waverly is a small community, permitting students and faculty to know one another well. Frequent group work in classes enables students to teach and learn from one another. All students experience working individually, in small groups, and as a whole class. Social development issues are addressed as students learn how to get along and be responsible within the school community. This close community allows teachers to create developmentally appropriate and interdisciplinary curricula.

The educational program at Waverly incorporates all aspects of human development — intellectual, social, physical, aesthetic, and moral — and strives to integrate learning by guiding students to be curious about all that the world has to offer. Waverly students build skills in mathematics, reading, writing, and critical thinking, while developing an appreciation for the arts, humanities, and sciences. Students develop a strong sense of themselves as individuals and as members of a close community.

The school believes it is essential for students to develop a commitment to the larger community. Through the curriculum and the school’s community service program, it is our goal that students recognize the importance of their active participation in local, state, national and global issues. With a rigorous academic curriculum as a foundation, students can contribute positively to the world in which they live.

Non-Violence
The Waverly School is committed to the creation and maintenance of a peaceful and secure atmosphere, and to the non-violent resolution of problems and conflicts. Waverly does not permit students to insult, cruelly tease, or bully one another. We work with students to help them learn to solve problems without resorting to violence.

Diversity and Personal Respect
The Waverly School embraces diversity and values the integrity of the individual. Individual differences of religion, national origin, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, culture, gender, and physical appearance are acknowledged and respected. Every member of the community strives to behave in a sensitive, tolerant, and respectful manner.

A diverse student body is an essential component of an experiential education. Students are most able to understand, appreciate, and respect differences in a setting that includes these differences. Waverly seeks a diverse community in order to fulfill its mission to provide a strong, humanistic education for all students.