Polaris has a goal of building a culture that is founded on respect, responsibility, courage, and kindness, where students and adults are committed to quality work and citizenship.
School structures and traditions such as crew, community meetings, exhibitions of student work, and service learning ensure that every student is known and cared for, that student leadership is nurtured, and that contributions to the school and world are celebrated. Students and staff are supported to do better work and be better people than they thought possible.
The foundation of Polaris is a community that brings out the best in students and staff. The school climate is characterized by safety, kindness, joy in learning, and positive leadership by staff and students. The school’s mission encompasses academic success and compassionate character. The school celebrates both student academic growth and character development. Teachers and school leaders communicate clear expectations for student character and model those values in their own practice. Policies and practices encourage students to take responsibility for learning, to demonstrate empathy and caring, and to be stewards of the school.