Many students have come from abusive environments. Above all else, the staff must be positive adult figures for children who may have grown up dealing with dysfunctional adults daily. The goal is to help students see beyond the immediacy of their problems to develop a broader world view. The day begins with an in-school breakfast, and the chance to visit with classmates and staff. This is a time when students can affirm the teachers' consistent character.
All students start the day with clean slates despite any problems the day before.
From breakfast, it's on to classes in rooms structured to feel like school, and where teams of two teachers work with small groups. That way, one teacher is always free to offer individual help while the other continues to lead the group. There are daily lessons in math, science, language arts, and social sciences. Offered three times a week, Instrumental Enrichment activities are paper and pencil exercises viewed by students as challenging puzzles. The exercises help them plan, think through situations, and be less impulsive.