Philosophy

The young people of Hopkins School are encouraged to develop the habits of mind of scholars. To that end, Hopkins offers a broad, rich and challenging curriculum. Academic offerings are traditional in structure, with strong departments in the arts, English, history, classical and modern language, computer science, mathematics, and science. The curriculum promotes a strong foundation in the academic disciplines, a broad exposure to the liberal arts, and selective opportunities to pursue individual interests. As students progress through the grades, the program becomes increasingly flexible and offers a wide array of electives beyond the core curriculum.

Teachers provide challenging classroom experiences designed to encourage curiosity and breadth of interest, self-expression, joy, and aesthetic sensibility. Classes are small and teachers encourage students to participate actively in discussion, to work together creatively to solve problems, to communicate their ideas effectively, and to learn from each other.

The Hopkins program can be demanding, but the culture of the school is also caring and supportive. Students build close personal relationships with their teachers. The atmosphere is one of cooperation and a shared endeavor in the pursuit of learning and growth. Extra help outside of the classroom is an important element of the Hopkins culture as teachers recognize their students’ individual needs and learning styles. We believe that students learn best when they can trust in their teachers' kindness and understanding and when the classroom is a safe haven for all questions and ideas.

An important facet of the word “hopefulness” entails the promise of benefits that accrue both from the process and the reality of learning. This hopefulness prompts the school now, more than ever, to strive to be a community that lays the foundation for a lifetime love of learning.