Philosophy

The philosophy of the school is based on the pedagogy of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire, who believed the methodological starting point of learning is the experience of the participant. Through this methodology, the program offers participants a rare opportunity to reclaim their own learning and questioning ability by engaging in a process that validates their own experience. This ethical dimension of the curriculum is essential to critical consciousness. The program responds to the expressed needs of participants rather than predetermined services identified by professionals. From this starting point, one relocates “expertise” in the students and their community itself; all classroom participants are teachers and learners in this process. Consequently, discovering and defining community strengths is a next step in organizing for community transformation, one of the goals of this educational philosophy and practice.

The school promotes self-development and provides positive role models and mentoring from within the Latino community. Students are empowered and supported by their instructors, the majority of whom are Latinos, who impart the gift of instruction while acknowledging and cultivating the wealth of knowledge and experience among the students. This philosophy builds confidence and purpose. Many of the students have emigrated from Latin America with either limited or specialized education or training. The school provides instruction that builds on the students’ previous education with the goal of promoting a well-rounded, adaptable individual.