Pedagogical Philosophy

“The sole objective of education is to raise individuals who enjoy their inner peace, the rest is just details.”

Iman Kamali Sarvestani, PhD

Principal, Laureates Academy for Gifted Students

At Laureates Academy, we believe in creating a love of learning that ignites the intellectual curiosity of gifted students. Our pedagogical philosophy draws inspiration from several educational approaches but is primarily rooted in Constructivism and Humanism, with touches of Liberalism and Positivism.

Constructivism: Building Knowledge Through Exploration

Laureates Academy’s “boundless” gifted program embodies the core tenets of constructivism. Students progress at their own pace, actively constructing knowledge through exploration and inquiry. We encourage them to delve deeper into subjects that pique their interest, fostering a sense of ownership over their learning journey. In Laureates Academy differentiated learning framework, we tailor instruction to individual needs and learning styles, ensuring each student is appropriately challenged. Our intimate classrooms allow for personalized attention and collaborative learning experiences.

Moreover, students are encouraged to conduct research, and present their findings in peer-reviewed articles. This facilitates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and independent learning.

Humanism: Nurturing the Whole Child

We believe in educating the whole child – intellectual, emotional, social, and physical. This aligns with the humanistic philosophy that emphasizes the importance of human potential and well-being.

STEAM program: Integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics provides a well-rounded learning experience that caters to diverse learning styles.

Social-emotional learning: We equip students with the skills to navigate social situations, build strong relationships, and foster emotional intelligence.

Celebrating individuality: We create a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their unique talents and perspectives.

Liberalism & Positivism: Influences on our Approach

While Constructivism and Humanism form the core of our philosophy, Laureates Academy also incorporates elements from other schools of thought:

Liberalism: We believe in fostering critical thinking skills and a thirst for knowledge. We encourage open dialogue and exploration of diverse viewpoints.

Positivism: We emphasize the value of scientific inquiry and evidence-based practices. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Empowering Future Leaders

By combining these pedagogical approaches, Laureates Academy creates a dynamic learning environment that empowers gifted students to reach their full potential. We equip them with the academic excellence, social-emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills necessary to become future leaders who can make a positive impact on the world.

Gifted Education

At Laureates Academy, we believe in nurturing the full potential of every gifted student. Our approach to gifted education is centered around the following core principles:

Holistic Evaluation and Identification: We go beyond standardized testing. Our admissions process emphasizes a holistic evaluation that explores a student’s strengths, interests, and potential through a two-day visit and whole-day stay at our school.
Nature AND Nurture: We acknowledge the role of both genetics and environment in giftedness. While some students may have a natural aptitude, we believe that proper nurturing is essential to help them flourish. Our stimulating learning environment and dedicated educators provide the necessary support to transform potential into real-world achievement.
Differentiation: Gifted students learn at a different pace and depth than their peers. Effective gifted education programs provide differentiated instruction that caters to these individual needs. This might involve offering advanced curriculum materials, independent study projects, or acceleration opportunities.
Enrichment Over Acceleration: We prioritize in-depth subject mastery through enrichment activities. Our students delve deeper into topics, fostering a comprehensive understanding before potentially moving on to more advanced levels. However, we recognize that higher grades can offer enriched versions of lower-grade subjects, and we provide pathways for students who demonstrate exceptional readiness.
Social-Emotional Well-being: We understand the importance of addressing the social and emotional needs of gifted students. While we are currently developing even more comprehensive programs in this area, we already offer initiatives that promote self-esteem, positive relationships, and healthy social interaction.
Equity and Accessibility: Laureates Academy is a young institution, free from the constraints of tradition. We are committed to providing access to a transformative education for all gifted students, regardless of socioeconomic background. Our scholarship program ensures that financial limitations don’t hinder a student’s potential.
The Power of Labels: We acknowledge that labeling can be a double-edged sword. While it can create pressure, it can also empower students by raising awareness of their unique strengths and fostering a sense of belonging within a like-minded community. We strive to create a supportive environment where students can embrace their talents and thrive.
Teacher Training: Educators who work with gifted students need specialized training and professional development opportunities. This helps them understand the unique needs of gifted learners and develop effective instructional strategies.
Lifelong Learning: Gifted education should foster a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. The goal is to equip students with the skills and motivation to become lifelong learners who can contribute meaningfully to society.

By combining a holistic approach to identification, a nurturing learning environment, and a focus on both intellectual and social-emotional well-being, Laureates Academy empowers gifted students to reach their full potential and become the future leaders of our world.