Core Values of the Tree of Life Charter School

  1. True Identity–Every student will know that:
    1. They were born with a unique and perfect design—like a fingerprint or a snowflake–and they are loved unconditionally
    2. Every child has a unique song based on their DNA, and at our school children get to learn to sing their song
    3. Every child is equipped with unique gifts, talents and passions and the focus is on the development of every child’s strengths.


  1. Students receive the Keys to the Nations through a Global Service Learning Design and World Language Instruction beginning in TK or Kinder.
    1. Teaching children that they can make a difference in the world by helping others at home and abroad
    2. Real world internships, local service and international outreach opportunities
    3. Spanish Immersion beginning in TK; 3rd language electives begin in 3rd grade
    4. Project based, technology-embedded instruction for 21st century learning, communication, critical thinking and collaboration


  1.  Ongoing Celebration of Every Child’s Growth in their Giftedness and Achievement of their Goals
    1. Developing gifts through Creativity and Expression: Music, dance, art, drama, creative writing, design, invention
    2. Students taught to think, not just to “know”–every student goes beyond what they thought possible–meeting or exceeding grade level expectations
    3. Growth will be evaluated and celebrated through an ongoing, individual “Strengths Portfolio”, noting students skills and strengths as they progress throughout the grade levels, as measured by student friendly rubrics.
    4. Regular Student-Led Parent/Teacher conferences are held to discuss gifts, skills and learning styles.  Minimal focus on testing, competition and grades


  1. Children learn to love and nourish their bodies and spirits through healthy words, foods and activities, and to appreciate and care for our planet and for one another.
    1. All food on campus is nutritious and healthy choices are modeled
    2. Children lead the recycling and composting program; for school and community
    3. Children participate in movement and daily physical and health education experiences, on campus and in the outdoors
    4. Students create a personal journal of daily “menus”—making healthy choices for words, foods and activities