The Mission of Premier Arts and Science Charter School (PASCS) is to provide students with the educational foundation that will develop and enhance superb reasoning skills through the Socratic Method of teaching, using a back-to-basics approach to learning and an uncompromising focus on excellence.
We firmly believe the seeds for academic success must be sown early in a child's education. PASCS's educational program is guided by five Power Principles that define and shape the culture and environment at PASCS.
The Power of Words
"I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine." -Emily Dickinson
PASCS believes that words have the power to transform lives, to influence minds, and to shape the future. Administration and instructors are encouraged to be mindful of the words they use and the thoughts they convey among themselves, staff, parents, and students. PASCS's culture of respect for self and others is reflected in not only our words, but in our actions as well.
The Power of Excellence
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is a habit, not an act." -Aristotle
Our motto is clear. We want excellence to be the goal for all of our students. Mediocrity is not an option. At PASCS, we strongly believe that children cannot rise to low expectations. So, although our goals are high, they are still attainable. Children are encouraged to "shoot for the moon, even if [they] miss, [they'll] land among the stars." Even our logo illustrates the eagerness with which students lift their hands, reaching for their highest potential, united in their quest for excellence.
The Power of Partnerships
"Education is one of the most important investments a country can make in its people and future." -Global Partnership for Education
This is a belief that guides our program and underscores our drive towards excellence. PASCS endeavors to form partnerships with businesses and other educational institutions who support our efforts to set high academic expectations, promote early awareness of civic responsibilities, and encourage student involvement in service to their community. The benefits can be seen in increased positive feelings and improved mental health, increased academic achievement, elevated sense of social responsibility and a subsequent desire to give back to the community from which they came.
The Power of Giving
"If you want love and abundance in your life, give it away." -Mark Twain
This is the universal law of cause and effect. PASCS firmly believes that in order to prepare students to be successful, we must also expose them to the reality of universal truths that encompass more than core academic subjects. While a simple truth such as "what you give, you get," can obviously apply to one's finances, it is equally applicable academically, socially, and emotionally. Children will learn that the best way to GET more of what they truly want in life is to GIVE.
The Power of Silence
"Inspiration has a voice, and it sounds like silence." -Darlene M. Smith
Even though they may appear to be in direct opposition, words and silence are in perfect harmony. If words and ideas are the birth place of the things we see in the world today, then, silence is their place of conception. At PASCS, children will learn that finding time for silence in their lives is important because it allows for time to look within. It enables them to think about things before making important decisions. It allows for time to listen to the heart. In other words, silence is where the virtuoso goes to compose, where the sculptor goes to release his masterpiece from a block of marble, and where the physicist goes to construct a beautiful equation.