Initially cautious, teachers liked the idea of designing a program to fit their students needs. During all of 1993, City View staff, parents, and community members visited other exemplary schools, examined data about their school, and surveyed stakeholder groups. Poring over the results at the large conference table in their faculty workroom, they overhauled the school's approach to programming. The resulting plan focuses on building literacy, experience-based learning, and a safe and nurturing environment. The academic programs, written by teachers to reflect the state curriculum frameworks, encourage students to use reading, writing, and math to approach problems creatively, independently, and cooperatively.
Teachers also use research on best teaching practices to design their own programs.
The schoolwide program creates flexible staffing patterns. Experienced faculty facilitators provide in-class reading, math, and science support and serve as mentors to colleagues. Teachers also lead staff development programs. City View is a professional development school for a local teachers' college. New faculty members have mentors, and seasoned professionals conduct training at school and at state and national meetings.