About RMDS

Philosophy

Our curricula are based on a traditional liberal arts education with equal emphasis on the sciences, the humanities and the arts. Our philosophy of education revolves around hands-on, interdisciplinary projects that allow students to delve into subjects in depth. Regular study of the lives and works of great thinkers and artists provides students with inspiration and exemplary models. Teachers foster the students' ability and desire to evaluate their own work, individually and in groups.

Through a variety of spontaneous discussions and presentations as well as planned performances, students experience joy in learning and satisfaction in sharing their knowledge and skills with classmates and the larger community. These approaches develop well-rounded students who are original thinkers, willing to take intellectual risks and able to give and accept constructive criticism.

Ring Mountain 's teachers model self-acceptance and empathy, self discipline and humility. We teach children to expect errors and to learn from them. Our program varies with the differing needs and abilities of each age group. We provide preschoolers with a developmentally appropriate climate that focuses on exploration, discovery, and social interaction. This early childhood experience sets the stage for the introduction of academic studies and homework in the elementary school. Daily homework in the Middle School promotes self-discipline and perseverance while allowing wider coverage of complex topics and practice of sophisticated skills. Our program responds to the individual child at all levels, yet as the students mature, they are gradually expected to go beyond their own interests in order to master those skills and bodies of knowledge widely recognized as a foundation for further studies in the liberal arts.

Ring Mountain succeeds in its mission because trustees, administrators, teachers, parents and students work together to form a community of learning. The trustees establish the direction of the school over the long term and preserve its character for future generations; administrators ensure that the school's mission is implemented day-by-day, and are responsible for the educational quality, tone and personnel of the school; parents bring to the school aspirations for and intimate knowledge of their children as well as support for their academic endeavors; students bring their special gifts and youthful enthusiasm for learning. Teachers serve as the backbone of the program, exemplifying integrity, intelligence, humor and compassion.