THE FAMILY MATTERS SCHOOL

We believe that it is critical to ask questions and to communicate openly about issues in our neighborhood, city, and the larger world. This means freedom to discuss the topics of race, gender, socio-economics, faith, and other aspects of identity as they arise. Teachers and staff work intentionally to avoid stereotypes and take an anti-bias approach. The learning community at Family Matters is a safe place for discussions where:

• all voices are equally valued and respected.
• all people have the right to express who they are and what they believe while respecting other people’s rights to express and hold different beliefs.
• empathy and understanding are cultivated.

At The Family Matters School, we believe that social-emotional health is as important as academic or critical-thinking skills. In order to use our intellect to its fullest, it is essential to know how to communicate and interact with others in the world. Likewise, it is essential to have an understanding and appreciation for ourselves as individuals. Reflecting on our interactions with others and developing the ability to communicate honestly, directly, and free of blame, shame, judgment, ridicule, and fear are woven into our learning environment. We use the Family Matters Principles of Leadership as our guiding philosophy for social-emotional learning.