Honesty is the bedrock of knowledge, trust, and self-respect. Any community depends on honesty so that its members can trust one another. In an academic community, the role of honesty is especially critical. Without honesty, science becomes speculation; history becomes fiction. Without honesty, it is impossible to see the world clearly. Whether on the playing field or in the classroom, one can feel accomplished only when an achievement is truly one’s own, an honest effort. Honesty is a responsibility to one’s self and the world.

Judgment means making good decisions on important questions. It is called upon in a wide range of situations, from choosing friends to writing an essay, from selecting a college to voting. Judgment often involves questions of right and wrong. We form judgments about our individual actions, as well as the actions of others. Good judgment depends upon an objective, careful consideration of the facts, the ability to weigh conflicting views, and a clear sense of the standards and values that underlie our decisions. 

Community means not only taking responsibility for ourselves, but also caring for those around us. We build community when we show kindness and consideration for one another. We strengthen our community as we work together toward a common goal, whether in the classroom or in extracurricular activities. Finally, service to others, both on campus and off, expresses our dedication to community. Though we all have our own individual needs and wishes, we do not try to satisfy them at the expense of others. Indeed, we realize our personal dreams more fully when we all give one another strength and support. 

Courage is needed to bridge the gap between knowing the right thing to do and actually doing it. In most ethical dilemmas the difficult problem is not knowing what we should do, but rather having the strength of character to follow through on our convictions. It takes courage to refrain from a wrongful action. It takes even greater courage to admit when we have done something wrong and make amends. It takes exceptional courage to stand against the harmful actions of others. 

Commitment means setting goals and striving diligently to achieve them: it also means accepting responsibility for our own progress. We show our commitment in all areas of our loves at the school: academic, athletic, and creative. Whether in a lead or a supporting role, as a star athlete or a substitute, on minor as well as major assignments, we always aim toward excellence and take pride in our achievement. Whatever our level of talent or accomplishment, we are committed to doing the best we can. 

More than simply engaging in an artistic practice such as the performing or visual arts, the quality of creativity often requires the creation of something new.  Whether this is a new way to solve a math problem, composing an original symphony or poem, or developing new associations between seemingly unlike things, creativity is central to the human experience and vital to the process of learning.

Critical Thinking involves the ability to objectively analyze and evaluate a text or the facets of a problem or question in order to arrive at a defensible conclusion.  Moreover, thinking critically allows one to make meaningful connections between disparate topics and subjects.  Learners and educators who engage in critical thinking move beyond the obvious and beyond first impressions to arrive at truths sometimes unavailable at first glance.

Curiosity is the quality that allows students to dig deeper, and manifests itself in a desire to know more and more about the world.  Students and thinkers who adopt the posture of curiosity ask “why” and “how” a machine, text, or phenomenon works the way it does and came into being, and move beyond mere observation.  Moreover, curious learners and educators care more about what is yet to be learned than what learning can be demonstrated, and engage the world with a sense of wonder and awe that leads to new inquiries and new discoveries.  

Engagement, vital to acquiring new skills and information, asks that students “lean in” to the discomfort felt when new material is introduced.  Engagement includes a willingness to consider new ways of thinking and doing, and to engage new ideas with empathy and humility while being fully present and offering one’s full attention.

Initiative means taking an active role in one’s own learning.  Whether turning from independent work to join a group project with full attention, tidying one’s workspace, taking effective notes, or learning and applying organization, time management, and other executive skills, those demonstrating initiative arrive at opportunities for learning ready to take advantage of those opportunities.

Perseverance is a willingness to carry on trying even after not finding early success in solving a problem.  Students who persevere find that the process of trying, failing, and trying again is a productive struggle, and is ultimately empowering.

Risk-Taking is a willingness to try new things without fear of failure.  Students who practice appropriate Risk-Taking view failure as a necessary part of growth and look forward to new experiences and challenges even when they are unfamiliar or uncomfortable.