It is strange to us how so many children think that learning is something to be done only at school. We have a different view. If we can create a place of learning where kids are allowed to connect their spiritual learning with their physical learning, kids will be more equipped for leaving the house, living on their own, overcoming obstacles, and being a masterful learner in all areas of their lives, including those outside of school. We would see more people capable of being good leaders, peacemakers, problem-solvers, and a more generally happy society.
Many current societal problems are due to people’s behavior. Behavior is not controlled by natural impulses alone, but it begins with belief as well. That is why we talk about and encourage our students to discover for themselves who they are and where they came from. We teach them there is value in having faith in Jesus Christ, and that it is important and possible to change for the better and to become like God.
To achieve this we ask our students to practice living certain standards such as keeping the ten commandments and developing character traits such as temperance, patience, obedience, resolution, frugality, industry, brotherly kindness, diligence, virtue, cleanliness, charity, and humility. While our students are taught these principles, they are given the choice whether or not they want to do the work to abide by these teachings.
Our systems facilitate learning to deal justly with one another and ourselves. Our students are first taught and given time to practice being loving, kind, and forgiving. As they graduate to our second studio they work on solidifying their growth mindset and establishing their core for love of learning. In the third studio we expect our students to strive for excellence in their work and to obtain experience in their areas of interest. By the time they reach our fourth studio, our students have the skills and opportunity to perform for us and the community around them what they have learned and created. They are ready to depart from home and become a positive influence in the world.