* engages every student with focused enrichment, grade level content, English Learner techniques and remediation. Thematic teaching links the disciplines together and higher level thinking skills are developed in all students.

* staff collaborates at grade levels and team levels, focused on student achievement and using formative assessment to guide instruction.

* families and community, especially the college community, collaborate in meaningful ways with staff to create a vital, motivated learning community.

* fosters positive leadership in all students by modeling, instructing and supporting strategies in mutual respect, conflict resolution and team learning.