We believe that the function of the school is to help each individual child acquire certain skills, knowledge and attitudes essential for effective living. To do this, we must provide the maximum mental, emotional, physical, moral and social growth. The programs of instruction, guidance and direction must reflect consideration for the individual needs of each child and provide experiences that will give him/her an understanding and appreciation of his/her rights, opportunities and responsibilities.

With this understanding, the educational experience in District 16 is based upon the following premises. Individuals: are

• worthy of respect and dignity in a democratic society.
• deserve the opportunity to develop their talents and abilities in accord with their potential.
• learn at different rates and have different abilities. r
• ecognize self-discipline and the acceptance of responsibility as desired goals.
• seek knowledge both for practical application and intellectual development.

With this in mind, all students require:

• continuing instruction and practice in the academic skills in accord with their individual needs.
• guidance and direction in the application of acceptable social skills.
• the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of life experiences.
• effective resources for developing proper health and physical fitness patterns.
• provisions for emotional and psychological well-being.

School District 16 consists of grade level centers designed to accommodate the transitional periods from early childhood to young adulthood.

We believe the function of the primary school is to provide a developmentally appropriate instructional environment that fosters a positive social, emotional, and physical, as well as academic growth in primary age children. The program of instruction will provide a foundation in basic skills, while nurturing diverse student abilities in a highly motivational environment designed to enhance the child's natural love of learning.

While realizing that this is a social and emotional period of transition, the function of the intermediate school is to create a unique educational bridge between the primary and middle school philosophies. Providing opportunities to not only build on the foundation initiated in the primary school, but also expand it to include fundamental skills required at the middle school will create this bridge. As such, the intermediate school will build on basic skills; extend the utilization of all relevant technologies; continue to encourage responsibility, the development of a healthy lifestyle, independent thinking and creative problem solving; and further develop positive peer and adult relationships. 

In combining the humanistic approach of elementary school with the more departmentalized approach of high school, the middle school attempts to deal with adolescence as a unique interval in human development. As such, it is a time during which individuals are no longer children, but are not yet prepared to accept the responsibilities of adulthood. The middle school seeks to provide the skills and guidance necessary for proper academic and social development during this period of growth.