Mission & Philosophy

Our Mission

The Central Park School for Children is committed to nurturing and guiding the natural eagerness of each child to explore, grow, and relate to others. The school is founded on three principles: that children are naturally full of life, power and confidence; that the best available research should guide our methods; and that children develop best in a community where curiosity, challenges and learning are valued. The school is a community of partners who seek to guide, cherish and be amazed by the children.

Educational Philosophy

Central Park School for Children is unique among public elementary schools in Durham because of its child-centered educational philosophy. At Central Park, the school's organization and our teaching methods emerge from our knowledge of how children learn best. We believe that, given appropriate opportunities, children will actively and enthusiastically participate in developing their own abilities and identities.

Families are Partners

Many aspects of our child-centered approach to education require a high level of commitment from our parents. As partners in the educational process, we expect that parents will contribute to our school community and support the healthy development of their children. While we do not assign "homework" in the traditional sense, we do ask that parents spend 30 minutes each day reading with their child. We also hope that parents will enthusiastically involve themselves in the daily activities of their children and share in their joyful discoveries.