We are a dedicated group of parents who are working towards the opening of a Waldorf inspired public charter school in Modesto, Ca. Please sign this petition simply if you agree that the presence of a free public charter in Modesto, Ca. would be a great asset to the community. Below is our Mission/Vision statement. Thank you! Mission Statement Manzanita Charter School is an independent, K-8 public charter school offering Modesto an education that begins with the personal and moves to the global, addressing the whole child. The students’ learning is grounded in the city’s unique agricultural environment and artistic community and will gradually expand to the larger world. It’s a developmental, integrated, and artistic program that is inspired by Waldorf Education. By addressing the child’s head, heart and hands, Manzanita Charter School will inspire students to reach their full potential - academically, socially and artistically - while becoming lifelong learners and compassionate, contributing human beings. Vision Statement Manzanita Charter School is an educational community of learners that is nurtured and inspired by an innovative approach to education. Through a curriculum inspired by Waldorf education, one of the fastest growing independent school movements in the world, our teachers will cultivate the potential of each child by creating an academically challenging environment that respects the child’s developmental stages, embraces their uniqueness, nurtures their imagination and builds a foundation for abstract thinking, artistic expression and an appreciation of their community and the greater world. Academically (HEAD) Teachers will engage the students in developmentally appropriate lessons and activities that encourage life-long learning. Students will learn how to think critically, problem solve, be creative and strive to understand the complexity and diversity of people and the natural world. Socially (HEART) We will encourage students to build a sense of competence, responsibility and purpose. Our program is designed to foster an understanding of ethical principles, widen student’s respect for the surrounding agriculture and larger natural environment and deepen students’ empathy for the local community and the world. Students will know that they are capable of making a difference in the world. Artistically and Practically (HANDS) We will motivate students to develop their imagination and feeling life through artistic expression across the curriculum. The development of the imagination promotes increased problem solving ability, flexible thinking and eventually autonomous learning. The practice of artistic expression leads to a sense of confidence and self-efficacy, so that students feel empowered to bring their ideals into the world.