General
Our Academic Approach
Our academic philosophy and approach ensure that every student is prepared to thrive, excel and lead in a rapidly changing world.
Our academic philosophy and approach ensure that every student is prepared to thrive, excel and lead in a rapidly changing world.
Porter’s academic approach is built around eight core principles.
Students synthesize and apply knowledge and skills across subjects and disciplines.
Students foster deeper understanding and demonstrate their learning through authentic assignments.
Students become informed, bold, resourceful, ethical global citizens prepared to shape an ever-changing world.
Education is intentionally designed to prepare students for what comes next.
Students work toward the mastery of core competencies through a constant process of feedback and growth.
Students engage with real problems and complete tasks that actually occur in the world outside school.
Inside and outside the classroom, we reflect on and respond to issues that matter to students and to today’s world.
By harnessing teamwork and cooperation, students achieve shared goals.
As a Porter’s student, you’ll prepare to navigate a changing world with clarity, confidence and purpose. You’ll graduate with the cross-disciplinary foundational competencies that equip you for college and for life.
Observe and interpret complex concepts and problems
Creatively apply strategies and design processes
Gather and interpret data from multiple sources
Propose and finalize solutions
Imagine new ideas and content
Comprehend and interpret information
Analyze and synthesize multiple perspectives
Navigate complexity
Reflect on your learning experiences
Develop informed and evidence-based arguments
Clearly articulate and discuss your thoughts and ideas
Engage in respectful dialogue around different viewpoints
Purposefully and effectively leverage various methods of communication
Deliver clear, well-structured presentations using thoughtful stylistic choices
Understand the meaning, intention and implications of your arguments
Lead and support others with empathy, enthusiasm and purpose
Demonstrate initiative and responsibility
Work effectively with others to reach collective goals
Act as a responsible and respectful member of the school community
Recognize your own and others’ perspectives
Investigate the world beyond your immediate environment
Effectively interact with diverse audiences
Translate your ideas into appropriate action to improve the world
Competency-Based Mastery Learning
At Miss Porter’s School, we practice competency-based mastery learning—a research-backed approach to learning that revolves around intrinsic motivation, resilience and a growth mindset. Instead of measuring success by how quickly you move through a predetermined curriculum, we focus on what truly matters: individual progress, effort and the mastery of core competencies. You will be evaluated based on your growth over time, with clearer, more transparent standards that make grading more consistent and meaningful.
Unlike traditional letter grades, mastery-based feedback paints a fuller picture. It highlights your strengths as well as areas where you may need additional support, creating a feedback cycle that supports further learning.
During your first year at Porter’s, you’ll only receive standards-based ratings. For 10th through 12th grades, your transcript will include traditional letter grades.
Throughout the school year, you’ll have many opportunities to prove your mastery of core competencies and ideas. In place of final exams, you’ll be evaluated based on Demonstrations of Learning, which are experiential projects, presentations, performances and more—all exhibited to the Porter’s community. In short, we don’t hide what we’ve learned on a test or written it in a paper that only one person reads; we share and celebrate what we have learned.
We’re committed to equipping you with the resources, expertise and guidance you need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. When considering the role of new and evolving technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI), in our approach to academics, we always prioritize your growth and wellness.
In recognition of AI’s growing impact, we help our community explore opportunities to leverage it to enhance learning. During your time here, you’ll expand your understanding of different AI tools and consider the ethical implications surrounding their use. You’ll engage critically with AI and learn how and when to use it with integrity, clarity and vision.
