1.  Positive Relationships

At APW, we believe in the importance of positive relationships. As we relate to one another, we build meaning and purpose together. Much of learning happens as we communicate with each other. Therefore, our classrooms are places in which communication is encouraged whether that is student to student, teacher to student, within small groups or presenting to peers. Building positive relationships to support learning helps students reach their full potential and creates a more cohesive school community.  

2.  High Expectations

We believe in offering high quality academic programming that meets the needs of each child at APW. Core skills and content standards have been identified at each grade level, and lessons are designed to help ensure students can apply those skills and content knowledge across disciplines. At the elementary level, standards-based reporting allows teachers to communicate to students and families the level to which they are demonstrating mastery of certain learning goals. At the secondary level, students are encouraged to pursue graduation pathways that best align with their academic interests. There are also opportunities to take distance learning courses, career and technical education courses, as well as Advanced Placement courses to earn college credit.

In addition to academics, social-emotional learning is also integrated into the curriculum. The Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) framework outlines t behavioral expectations that are taught and modeled at the Elementary and then become part of the Code of Conduct at the secondary level. 

Academics at its best . . . Pursuit of excellence . . . Where students come first.

3.  Evidence-Based Decision Making

Recognizing that each decision made at APW has an impact on the school community, we believe in using data or evidence to inform our decision-making process. Whether at the classroom level for selecting appropriate interventions or at the district level for implementing various programs, we examine scientifically-based research to support our decisions. Discussions centered on data involve specific skills; therefore, stakeholder teams have been trained in Data Wise and Data Driven Dialogue in order to ensure the appropriate evidence is being examined and that inferences based on the evidence are valid and reliable.