Respectful and inspiring relationships are the cornerstone of the educational experience at Hawken.

Through relationships with passionate and skilled teachers and mentors who are committed to their success, students develop the capacity to take on new challenges and the habits of mind for rich and lifelong learning.

We expect students to respect each other, their teachers, and themselves, and to make choices that express this respect and support productive learning

relationships.

Student assessment is used both to measure and to guide student learning.

Assessment at Hawken is regular, multi-faceted and based on students’ skill acquisition and conceptual understanding. In addition to giving teachers ways to measure and understand student growth and achievement, assessment also enables teachers to reflect on instruction and students to develop deeper understandings of themselves as learners.

We expect students to work in partnership with their teachers and to participate in thoughtful self-assessment.

Hawken’s program develops the skills essential for academic success, especially those that stress critical and creative inquiry and expression.

Hawken has explicit and high standards for the progressive acquisition of academic skills. These skills include the ability to plan, accomplish, and reflect upon one’s own learning.

We expect students to demonstrate commitment to and progress toward mastering essential skills.

Hawken respects student time, using it in intentional ways to maximize educational out-comes.

The schedule and calendar support innovative use of instructional time. The pace of the day and the structure of student workload ensure that students have time for high-quality and meaningful work, including opportunities for reflection and deep learning.

We expect students to develop their skills as self-managers and self-advocates, and to use their time to its best result.

Hawken believes that learning should be meaningful. Teachers construct lessons and curriculum that clarify and expand upon students’ prior knowledge.

Teaching strategies are often differentiated based on student readiness and interest. The Hawken community, Greater Cleveland, and the world beyond provide opportunities for exploration, engagement, and service, encouraging students to engage in real-world challenges with creativity, discipline and confidence.

We expect students to seek opportunities for creative and scholarly expression in the world, and to strive to make meaning from knowledge.

Hawken’s culture conveys its values and is among the school’s most important teaching tools.

Lessons of honesty, interrelationship, responsibility, empathy, and fair play are woven throughout the curricular and extracurricular program. Hawken works with families in ways that address the needs of the whole child, developing character and teaching life lessons.

We expect students to participate in the community with enthusiasm and integrity and to engage in opportunities that will expand their understanding of themselves and their place in the world.