Approach & Philosophy

The Ashton School’s academic program consists of a standards-based approach supported by curricular learning targets in all core subject areas. Programs are backed by research-proven instructional strategies in the classroom and assessment and reporting practices that will allow the students to take ownership of their learning processes by understanding intended learning goals and engaging in continual assessment.

Since its founding in 1998, the Ashton School has been determined to provide the necessary support to stimulate students’ academic and personal development, self-esteem, self-determination, as well as respect for others.

A collaborative effort is made to achieve excellence in the skills, concepts, procedures and dispositions that one requires for lifelong learning in English and Spanish. Through its character education program, which is based on Judeo-Christian principles, students are also taught how to make valuable contributions to their society by being a sensitive, creative and responsible citizen.

The described philosophy takes shape through different dimensions, which cover all areas of children’s development:

Social – Contributes to children’s socialization, helping them to enjoy school, the atmosphere, to make friends, and feel like an essential part of the group;

Emotional – Aids in the acquisition of self-confidence, self-discipline, a positive attitude, and appreciation and respect for life;

Cognitive – Helps children to become excellent apprentices, allowing them to try their own ideas, make mistakes and learn from their errors while exploring their capacities, developing their abilities to formulate questions, face and solve problems, and express their agreements and discords effectively and respectfully;

Psycho-motor – Promotes the increase of motor skills, confidence in exploring possibilities to practice with their bodies, and learning good habits for healthy living;

Spiritual – Teaches that Christian principles and virtues, which are the foundation for Catholic and Evangelical denominations, will help students lead honorable and healthy lives. We believe the Bible is God’s instrument to make this possible and that it teaches students the love of God and the desire to honor and worship Him.

Our philosophy is also based on “Love & Logic”® practices which are carried out while sustaining a “Culture of Grace”® as we address students’ dispositions. Our actions and reactions are accompanied with empathetic and logical responses intended to help students take responsibility for their actions while restoring them to healthy behaviors.

Students will also come to understand and appreciate that God’s creative wisdom is vastly evident in what they encounter on a daily basis. This may range from understanding the perfect order of mathematical systems, to the physical laws of the universe, to an appreciation of how colors come together during their art class.

Our guiding standard with regards to character education and general decision-making at the school is grounded primarily on the biblical principles of loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind and loving our neighbors as ourselves. These two guiding principles not only form the basis of our character education philosophy, but should also permeate throughout the school and be evident in our conduct, speech and guide us in decision-making.

This means that in our school you will find teachers and staff members who not only possess the credentials and qualifications to carry out their respective academic responsibilities, but are also: loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, good, faithful, gentle, honest, self-controlled, kind, responsible, and respectful.

We believe that if students are surrounded by people who are modeling these attitudes and dispositions, they too will understand the meaning of loving and knowing God and be able to demonstrate concern and love for their “neighbor”. Students will also appreciate their own significance and self-worth by understanding how much God loves and cares for them. We believe this can only truly be accomplished if they are given the opportunity to get to know God, His attributes, His principles and His greatest expression of love in the gift of Jesus.

As educators, it’s essential to understand that we can’t just expect to educate the mind without concerning ourselves with our students’ hearts. What is in their hearts will either “interfere with or propel the educational process”.

Ashton School is committed to the protection of the whole child; physically, emotionally and spiritually. The school adheres to both Dominican regulations and AdvancED Assurances (summarized below) related to child protection policies and practices. Detailed policies, definitions and practices are outlined in the school’s Child Protection Handbook which is reviewed annually by the leadership team.

The school is committed to preventing and responding appropriately if children are harmed, or if allegations of harm to children are made. The Child Protection Response Team and Academic Council ensure that we have procedures for reporting suspected situations. The school is also obligated to report suspected cases to the corresponding government authorities and maintains effective relationships with external organizations and bodies that are able to provide appropriate support and advice on matters related to child protection.

Our faculty, staff, contractors and volunteers are trained annually to ensure the safety and welfare of our students. Our staffing protocol includes rigorous procedures to ensure that our employees are of sound moral character and suitable to work with children and young adults. This includes request for disclosure statements on employment applications and appropriate interview questions, employment reference checks, criminal background checks, and a signed and personal commitment to our Safe Environment and Staff Code of Conduct agreement.

External providers who are trained in child protection matters deliver learning programs for our students, in conjunction with the Counseling Department and the Child Protection Response Team.

All reports of suspected abuse and actions taken are securely guarded by the school.