Philosophy
Each child enters school with their own unique blend of interests, experiences, abilities, and developmental needs. At the J. Harvey Rodgers School, we embrace these differences by building on each child’s strengths and providing an engaging, supportive environment filled with meaningful opportunities to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Our program is thoughtfully designed to be developmentally appropriate for the age group we serve. We recognize that children learn in different ways and at different paces, and our curriculum reflects that understanding. Lessons are guided by each child’s level of understanding, individual learning style, cultural background, and life experiences. We offer a wide variety of hands-on, play-based activities that promote discovery, critical thinking, and a love of learning.
To ensure that our instruction remains responsive and effective, assessments are conducted three times per year. These assessments help us monitor student growth, evaluate the effectiveness of our teaching strategies, and identify areas where additional support or enrichment is needed. Our ultimate goal is to use this information to inform instruction and help every child reach their full potential.
At Rodgers, we believe that nurturing the whole child is essential to school success. In addition to academic development, we place a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and character education. Our Bulldog PRIDE program is at the heart of this work. Through Bulldog PRIDE, we teach and model core values that foster respect, responsibility, integrity, determination, and empathy. Each month, we focus on a specific character virtue to help children understand and practice positive behaviors that support their growth as kind, thoughtful, and confident individuals. These values are integrated into daily classroom activities, schoolwide events, and family engagement opportunities.
We are committed to creating a school environment where every child feels safe, valued, and supported. We work in partnership with families to help children develop the social skills and self-regulation necessary to thrive in a school setting. Our approach to behavior is rooted in proactive teaching, positive reinforcement, and strong relationships.
We look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you and your child. There are many opportunities for parent involvement throughout the school year, and we encourage you to stay engaged and connected. Your voice is important to us, and we welcome your questions, ideas, and feedback at any time.