Desert Star Community School Vision Statement

The vision of Desert Star Community School, a Waldorf Inspired Charter School, is to nurture and inspire a community of learners through an innovative, holistic approach to education. Our enriched program enables students to reach their full potential through Waldorf pedagogy combined with Multiple Intelligences philosophy, an integrated arts curriculum, and multi-cultural experiences. Our goal is to bring forth an education that is vibrant and alive.

Three years of investigation and research into leading schools and methodologies provided insight into how to enhance a child’s ability to learn. Desert Star brings together several proven approaches in an innovative way. The creative means to engage the child’s love of learning, are rooted in Rudolf Steiner’s Waldorf approach to education. We also incorporate Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence theory in order to teach to the various intelligences of the child. Children learn in many different ways, some are: logical, linguistic, kinesthetic, rhythmic, spatial orientation as well as through inter and intrapersonal relationships. Desert Star teaches to all the intelligences and thus engages and meets students who may struggle in traditional settings.

A true education involves more than just the intellect; it engages and integrates every aspect of the person: cognitive, physical, emotional, and social as well as the creative-imaginative aspects of the self. It is our conviction that a holistic approach to education is the key to social and cultural transformation.

It is our intention that Desert Star graduates become adults who are innovative creative thinkers as well as socially and environmentally responsible citizens who can help make the world a better place.

Besides Providing a Superior Academic Education,
The Desert Star Vision Includes:

Sustainability:
Desert Star will have a minimal impact on its natural setting, practice environmental sustainability and offer students experiential programs in environmental education. The unique location in Cornville offers space for the school to grow to its full potential over time. We envision natural outdoor play spaces with classrooms and buildings created by using natural materials, as well as organic gardens and animal care opportunities. We feel it is important for students and families to be connected with the natural cycles of life. Whenever possible renewable resources such as solar energy, gray water recycling and composting will be used. Desert Star is fortunate to have existing alternative “earth-ship” style buildings and will continue this tradition with the use of similar structures, so that students can experience and be inspired by a school rooted in sustainability.

Development of Inter/Intrapersonal Intelligence:
At Desert Star unique programs support students’ development of inter- and intrapersonal intelligences. To enhance interpersonal intelligence emphasis is placed on developing communication skills, empathy, respect for self and others, personal responsibility, conflict resolution, cooperation and collaboration skills. To develop intrapersonal intelligence (knowledge of self) opportunities as inner reflection, emotional awareness and self-esteem enhancement will be offered. The school will strive to develop the social-emotional skills of all students. Faculty and staff will be trained and mentored so that they can model and teach healthy, respectful and compassionate ways of relating and problem solving in the classroom setting.

Providing a Valuable Community Resource for Continuing Education:
The school will sponsor lectures, workshops and trainings on subjects related to the vision presented here. These programs will support the faculty, parents and greater community in expanding their understanding of education and human potential. Collaborative community partnerships will be developed with other educational organizations in the area. These partnerships will enrich the community as well as the school’s programming.

Desert Star’s Mission Statement

The mission of Desert Star Community School is to provide an education that considers the needs of the whole child, develops the full diversity of human intelligence within each individual, and instills a lifelong love of learning. Our purpose is to inspire and empower students to reach their full academic and creative potential so they may lead fulfilling, purposeful lives and make a positive contribution to the multi-cultural society and world community in which they live.

We at Desert Star Community School deeply appreciate your willingness learn more about our intention. We hope you also believe in our vision and you will wish to participate. Arizona currently ranks 50th in Education in the USA. This is the very lowest end of the scale. Desert Star Community School was formed to address this issue and provide a much needed alternative to the fast growing community of the greater Verde Valley region.