At College Prep we believe in meaningful scholarship, the value of dialogue, and the need for academically curious young people to belong to a kind, creative, diverse, and joyful community. We challenge our students to learn from and appreciate one another, and to grow into adults who are intellectually adventurous, ethically sure-footed, and generous of heart and spirit.
Guided by Mens Conscia Recti, “a mind aware of what is right,” College Prep develops each student’s strengths and capacities through an education based on these core beliefs:
• We value the individuality of our community members and our egalitarian school culture.
• We believe that high expectations, kindled curiosity, and dedicated effort encourage students to discern excellence and strive to do their best.
• We cultivate an awareness of self and others that is rooted in respect and empathy and emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s impact and actions.
• We affirm that deep learning requires patience, creativity, reflection, and practice.
• We work in a collaborative environment that gives young people opportunities to take risks, express themselves, and appreciate the perspectives and gifts of others.
• We embrace the variety of backgrounds, values, and life experiences within our community and recognize that the rich expression of this diversity is vital to our educational experience.
• We integrate work and play, helping students see the connections between their personal decision-making and their well-being.
• We foster an understanding of interdependence and stewardship that starts with care for our open-air Oakland campus and extends to our greater community.
• We prepare students to make a positive difference, encouraging engagement with learning and service opportunities in the broader world.
• We dedicate ourselves, as teachers and mentors, to our own on-going development, modeling commitment to learning and growth.