Unifying Vision and Identity

The mission of the School of Environmental Studies is to broaden individual awareness of the role of the environment in human affairs, to make the connection between the environment, the human condition, and the future, and to educate all students to the best of their abilities. Students and faculty members have chosen to participate in this learning community, which is a four-year program at Manual Arts High School. At the end of their four years in the school, students will come to understand and appreciate the ecosystem, and will demonstrate literacy in English, math, science, technology, foreign languages, and environmental issues. They will also demonstrate sensitivity to and acceptance of cultural, religious, racial, gender, and sexual preference differences. They will develop character, improve their social and leadership skills, and become prepared to enter college, join the world of work, and engage in life-long learning activities.

Teachers and other adults within the school will work with their group of students over a four-year period in a number of important ways that will shape students’ experiences to help them achieve their goals. Faculty and staff will come to know and understand the needs, interests, and aspirations of each student through the following structured activities: advisory periods that provide time for academic and social mentoring to small groups of students and opportunity to develop personal learning plans; use of research-based strategies in all classes; meaningful academically oriented, hands-on field trips and other outings designed to investigate and explore environmental issues; and frequent parent contacts, meetings, conferences, and open houses. Teacher teams will closely monitor each student’s progress and will provide the academic and other support that each student needs to succeed in this rigorous curriculum.