Our Learning Community is bound together by common values and beliefs.

Joy, fun and laughter are part of our learning community.  Families provide the foundation for learning and values.  We are all learners, facilitators, coaches and teachers.  Learning is a creative process.  The learning environment is enriched by  bringing children of different ages and abilities together.  Our processes are flexible and continually improving.

Each child is a unique and valued member of our Learning Community.

We focus on the whole child emphasizing social, emotional and physical well-being as well as academic achievement.  Children are encouraged to be curious and grow and develop at their own pace and potential.  Differences and diversity are appreciated giving all children the opportunity for success.  We recognize, value and accommodate different learning styles.  Children are encouraged to set challenging personal goals and to pursue their interests.  The classroom is child centered where students are active members of our Learning Community.

Our Learning Community works together to achieve high academic and behavioral standards.

Children learn from working in partnership with parents and teachers.  They are responsible participants in their education.  Children observe and develop positive relationship skills from their Learning Community.  Each participant is accountable and responsible.  Children play an active role in problem solving, conflict resolutions and decision making.  They learn and demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways.

Our Learning Community is a cooperative and nurturing environment.

We foster trust, respect and acceptance by showing concern for one another.  Our goal is to promote a sense of belonging and self worth.  We recognize mistakes are a part of the natural learning process.  In our community, the learning process is acknowledged and valued.  Children, parents and teachers take pride in their workplace.  Our environment is organized to provide easy access to resources.

Our Learning Community provides an enriched curriculum that inspires life-long learners.

Our goal is to provide a hands-on, interactive learning experience.  Our approach to learning ensures a strong foundation in basic skills through inquiry based and collaborative learning.  We believe in an approach to learning that develops the child's critical thinking and problem solving skills.  Our Learning Community involves the children in their learning through individualized and appropriate curriculum.  The educational process helps children apply their skill and knowledge to real life situations.  The curriculum is enhanced with a strong commitment to the arts and sciences.  Field trips, community service and outside resources are an integral part of the curriculum.

Parent volunteers are an integral part of the classroom and school.   Teachers have one to two parent assistants each day.  Our success depends on the shared commitment of the entire community.  The Explorer Parent Association, a registered non-profit organization, works with our Principal and the Lake Washington School District to run our school.  Each family commits to a minimum of three volunteer hours per week and to active participation in the Parent Association.  In addition, one family member must attend the Parent Association's monthly meeting.  Volunteer opportunities are flexible and can accommodate working parents.

The Explorer Community School is a part of the larger Emily Dickinson community.  The principal of Dickinson is also Explorer's principal.  Explorer supports and participates in many of the larger community activities.  Explorer students eat in the cafeteria and enjoy the extensive playground during recess.  As students in a Lake Washington public school, Explorer students receive the usual enrichment classes such as: music, library, computer lab and physical education.  They take these classes in the Emily Dickinson elementary building with the regular staff.