· The capacity to become cooperative contributors of society
Our Students
· Are serious about their education
· Work diligently on meaningful assignments
· Are in class to learn
· Enjoy spirited discussions and debate
· Are articulate, thoughtful and hard-working
Are college bound.
Our Teachers
· Are highly intelligent and energetic, and care about their students
· Have strong academic backgrounds
· Undergo training in Core Knowledge, Singapore Math, Great Expectations and other Xavier specific professional development needs.
· Are committed to their own learning as well as the instruction of children.
· Xavier believes that the smartest and best-educated people make the best teachers.
Our Curriculum
· Teaches you how to think, not just regurgitate
· Uses methods of discussion which build communication skills
· Teaches you how to write by using language, logic and evidence effectively
· Uses original sources in history instead of only the textbook. Students learn to become historians
· Explore complete works of great literature rather than selections of stories
· Require Latin to build English vocabulary and a better understanding of grammar
· Teaches the concepts behind mathematical and scientific problems in addition to the procedures and formulas
· Is based on the concept that real learning comes from total engagement, not from filling out worksheets.
· All core classes, except for a few remedial courses are taught at an honors level.
In order to fulfill our mission statement, we strive to incorporate virtue as part of our curriculum. The following article, authored by Becky Baird, co-founder of Xavier and 5th grade teacher, expresses our intent.
Virtue is the birthplace and foundational force of authentic education. To truly educate, there must be a marriage or partnership between the formation of character and the purposeful training of young minds. Any culture that disregards the cultivation of virtue soon discovers itself a prisoner to poor choices.
In the classical sense, virtue holds the connotation of something synonymous with the word “strength.” Abigail Adams stated, “Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought after with ardor and attended to with diligence.” Consequently, without strength of character, knowledge cannot take root. If learning is unable to take root, it withers, rendering itself useless. The stage must be set for youngsters to experience a life that is neither random nor useless.
The best manner in which to master virtue is to imitate those who already practice it or who have applied it successfully in the past. Ancient philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates rejected the idea of “bad” character. In earlier societies, a person either had character or did not. To study the lives of noble men and women from history or great literature is to encourage and nurture character development. Gaining virtue by way of the past is a prize worth acquiring.
The study of times past, particularly the unifying themes of classic literature and Western culture, prepare young men and women to think critically. E. D. Hirsch succinctly remarks, “A youngster won’t learn to think critically if he doesn’t have anything to think about.” A remarkable consequence of reading fine literature is that a child is not only introduced to characters like himself, but to those who are nobler and wiser – enticing him to reach higher than he ever thought possible.
An added benefit to the study of the classical sciences is the substantial increase in a young person’s vocabulary. Clearly, America’s youth cannot practice virtue or principle when they lack the very words to express it. Educational institutions must not cease to contribute to the fund of shared moral knowledge for the result will surely be societal bankruptcy.
Xavier Charter School rejects the idealistic notion that self-esteem fuels the educational train. Appropriately, it has established an institution of “profound learning” where self-confidence results from students’ academic accomplishments, proper conduct and regard for others. Xavier participates in a vision of high purpose, a sense of pride and self-respect, and remains unapologetic about providing rigorous moral and academic training. Preparing young people for lives of citizenship and personal integrity is without a doubt our unending passion and our greatest work – our Magnum Opus.
Our Students
Our Teachers
Our Curriculum 
