SFT embraces a cutting edge student-centered, entrepreneurial approach to learning (rather than clinging to the traditional industrial-age teacher-centered, top-down, centralized mode of education).
SFT’s curriculum is research-based, well justified, and clearly defined — and represents what a high school graduate needs to know and be able to do to thrive in college, the workplace, and life in today’s and tomorrow’s (21st century) world.
SFT utilizes an innovative education model that recognizes and utilizes the multiple intelligences and learning styles and strengths of each student (and does not employ a standardized, one-size-fits-all teaching approach).
SFT’s top priority academic skill areas — problem solving, reading with comprehension, critical thinking and logic, research and writing, oral and multimedia communication, math and quantitative reasoning — are taken seriously, effectively mastered, and meaningfully assessed.
SFT’s core curriculum includes drama, art, music, athletics, health, mind-body work, emotional intelligence, character, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
“SFT is the only school I’ve seen that truly attempts to adjust to each child’s learning style. This is a refreshing departure from the typical school philosophy where every student is expected to conform to a single, rigid learning structure.”
—John, SFT parent
Each SFT student follows her own individualized learning path that allows her to learn at the pace that makes sense for her in the ways that work best for her.
Each SFT student has adult mentors with whom he meets regularly throughout his years at the school.
SFT encourages multi-age groupings of students whenever appropriate and beneficial.
SFT recognizes and leverages the powerful dynamic of students teaching and learning from each other.
At SFT faculty members serve first and foremost as facilitators of learning and role models (and not as all-knowing subject matter experts, behavior monitors, and judges).
SFT promotes an interdisciplinary, project based, real world approach to learning.
SFT’s innovative, customizable daily and weekly schedules are designed to maximize learning.
At SFT internships, community service, and field trips are highly valued, encouraged, and built into the schedule.
At SFT parent and community member (e.g., retirees) volunteers are trained to play integral, daily roles (e.g., as mentors, tutors) in the school.
SFT will enable each student to identify and gain admittance to the college best for him or her.
SFT will support and track its graduates in college and beyond (and not merely declare victory once our graduates are accepted into college).
SFT aims to be exponentially better than the competition (and will never settle for being merely incrementally better).
Key Characteristics
“SFT is the only school I’ve seen that truly attempts to adjust to each child’s learning style. This is a refreshing departure from the typical school philosophy where every student is expected to conform to a single, rigid learning structure.”
—John, SFT parent