Bernardston Elementary School is a place where students and teachers interact for the purpose of learning. The comprehensive educational program contributes to each student's intellectual, physical, emotional, creative and social growth.

Education results from a cooperative effort between students, staff, family, school committee and community; all will be responsive to the needs of our youth and accept responsibility for their learning. And, all will help the school address the constant changes in society.

Bernardston Elementary School will reflect an environment in which students and staff demonstrate mutual respect, cooperate with each other, appreciate each other's strengths and accept each other's differences.

The educational program will recognize each student's particular abilities and needs. Through heterogeneous grouping high expectations are communicated to all students as they are offered an equal opportunity to succeed.

An educated student practices learning as a continuous process of growth that includes cultural and environmental appreciation, creative and practical experiences and the learning of subject matter. Therefore, the school will strive to provide a broad variety of situations and subjects enabling students to develop concepts, skills and attitudes with which they can understand, make connections and apply knowledge.

In order for learning to thrive, it is essential to create a positive climate for learning -- one in which students are responsible for taking an active role in their own education and the professional staff is engaged in a continuous process of development.

While school is not the only influence in the student's life, the educational foundation built during these years is an essential component in creating capable, self-confident adults ready to participate in a democratic society.