City High School - Our Philosophy

Our Philosophy
Place-Based Learning What students do in school is often isolated from the life and work of the community in which they live. Research shows that when learning is rooted in real-world issues, it is more authentic and meaningful, and inspires students to be academic achievers and engaged citizens. City High School's program links the academic curriculum with city and regional issues and includes time in the weekly school schedule for community-based projects. One semester a group of students might work with hydrologists to help collect and analyze data on water scarcity in the Sonoran desert, while another group of students documents the history of a particular neighborhood through archival research, resident interviews, and comparative mapping. To learn more about place-based learning, visit the Rural School and Community Trust.
Coalition of Essential Schools City High School is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, a national school reform network founded in 1984. This affiliation provides a stable foundation and philosophical framework for our new school. The Coalition of Essential Schools is guided by the Ten Common Principles, a set of research-tested and common sense approaches to school design, leadership, curriculum, and instruction that have been proven to increase student achievement. Visit the CES website.
Habits of Heart and Mind City High School's program develops "habits of heart and mind" that will serve students in their lifelong pursuit of learning. These habits are embedded in rich subject matter and depend on students using the skills of reading, writing, logic, computation, research, and scientific inquiry to give them substance. Every thing we do at City High School emphasizes the development of good habits, such as examining multiple perspectives, using evidence, and collaborating with others.