Impact - We assess and make decisions from the lens of “What is the difference we expect this to make? How will we know?” We are committed to continuous improvement and use a variety of data to ensure measurable progress toward goals is achieved for all stakeholders. We believe impact is best achieved when all stakeholders and systems are aligned toward a transformational, not transactional, vision for the future. 

Shared Leadership - We design processes that bring together those most impacted by the systems and initiatives we aim to shape. We ask, “Who needs to be at the table to truly represent the whole system?” and “How can we implement processes that move from offering a seat at the table to inviting influence and from inviting influence to sharing leadership with all stakeholders?”

Equity - We differentiate based on the strengths, needs, and context of where we serve to ensure that we impact the systems that have historically reproduced inequitable outcomes and opportunities for communities. We are committed to examining our own role in reproducing white supremacy culture. 

Community - We believe in putting the community in community schools. We are creative about knitting together the different aspects of a community from its residents and workers to its institutions and businesses and connect them intentionally to schools as a center.