Portrait of a Learner

Students with a disposition to inquire about the world will:

• Explore local and global connections
• Ask questions of significance that call upon critical thinking
• Frame problems and construct solutions 
• Seek information beyond familiar environments

Students with a disposition to understand multiple perspectives will:

• Interact with others whose paths differ greatly from their own
• Honor the value of our shared human dignity
• Recognize and resist stereotypes
• Understand multiple cultural contexts

Students with a disposition towards respectful dialogue will:

• Communicate across differences
• Listen with intentionality
• Express empathy for others 
• Share courageously, openly, and appropriately

Students with a disposition to grappling with complexities will:

• Persevere in the face of multi-layered processes, ideas, and problems
• Display resilience in the face of challenges and change

Students with a disposition to taking responsible action will:

• Collaborate with others with the intent to mobilize ideas into action
• Recognize that service to the community is a form of action

What is International Baccalaureate?

With its international focus, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes help students develop academically, socially, emotionally and culturally as they grow to become citizens of the world. Bloomfield Hills Schools is proud to become the first school district in Michigan to offer fully-authorized IB programmes from preschool through 12th grade.

The International Baccalaureate Organization promotes the sharing of best practices to introduce a multicultural understanding and international credibility to its curriculum. The IBO requires consistency in staff development and programme assessment at all of its international schools throughout the world.

What are Dynamic Learning Environments?

In order to foster deep learning, care for childrens’ well-being, and meet the needs of all students, classrooms are designed with a focus on active learning, future-proof design, and synergy with research-based teaching practices. Learning environments have been designed to include: 

• Moveable walls for co-teaching 
• Flexible furniture to create responsive learning environments
• Adequate storage to provide access to a variety of tools and resources
• Spaces for collaboration
• Soft-seating for both quiet study and collaborative learning

What is Instructional Technology?

The integration and support of instructional technology is meant to provide teachers and students with access to the tools and content necessary to empower an innovative, responsive, and active teaching and learning experience.  The tools and resources currently utilized by teachers and students include:

• iPads
• Chromebooks
• Laptops
• BYOD Policy at High School Level
• A wide range of software and applications to support teaching and learning in classrooms
• Google Classroom (K-8)
• Canvas Integration (9-12)

What is Design Across the Curriculum?

Through learning experiences students develop and hone their ability to see the world from a design perspective. They work to develop their abilities to see in detail, explore the intricacies of the things around them, and understand that everything around them has intentional design.  As a result, they develop a sense of empowerment and ability to shape the world around them. Bloomfield Hills graduates will not be consumers, but instead will be active contributors who shape and improve the systems around them.

What is Experiential Learning?

Students engage with and retain new knowledge best when it is linked to concrete experiences. Through experiential learning students are more likely to better understand new material; gain understanding of their own skills, interests, and passions; collaborate with diverse organizations and people; experience the gratification of meeting community needs, and develop self confidence, leadership skills, and professional practices. Bloomfield Hills utilizes experiential learning in a variety of ways including but not limited to: classroom practices, place-based learning, and the utilization of both Bowers Farm and the Johnson Nature Center.

What is Social Emotional Learning?

The health, safety, and wellness of our learners is critical to Bloomfield Hills Schools. Social Emotional Learning is an evidenced based approach for student success. The goal of social emotional learning is to model for and help students build their skills to identify and manage emotions, learn from others, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. Students who participate in social emotional learning demonstrate significantly improved social and emotional skills, attitudes, behavior and academic performance.