“As a member of the Cary Academy community, I am responsible for acting with respect, integrity, and compassion.”
Our Mission
We Believe
Our Learning Philosophy
How do we bring our mission to life? It’s all a function of our core beliefs about teaching and learning.
At CA we believe
- Learning is an iterative and interdependent process.
- Taking risks, embracing struggle, and developing resilience are essential to deep and life-long learning.
- Individuals must develop self-awareness as learners and take ownership of their learning**.
- Clear, ongoing, and timely feedback elicits self-reflection and drives growth.
- Physical, social, and emotional balance is essential for learning and wellbeing.
- The most impactful learning occurs where people, disciplines, and ideas connect to address human and community needs.
- Inclusive environments create a secure and affirming culture that enables both the individual and the community to flourish.
- Excellent teaching is the foundation of an outstanding learning community.
**“Own your learning.” It’s a phrase you’ll hear repeatedly at CA. That’s because we believe that students learn best when you play a significant role in shaping your own educational journeys.
You might notice that this website is written in the first person—that we’re talking to you, our prospective students. That’s why; at CA, you’re going to own your learning journey and be granted a significant degree of voice and choice around what, how, and when you learn. What better time to start than the present?
“
Hover to explore
Portrait of a Graduate
DISCOVERY
Critical Thinker
- Uses various types of reasoning as appropriate to the situation
- Gathers, analyzes, and evaluates evidence, arguments, claims, and beliefs
- Considers major alternative points of view
- Recognizes how parts of a whole interact to produce overall outcomes in complex situations
- Synthesizes information and makes connections within and across disciplines
- Interprets information and draws conclusions based on the best analysis
- Reflects critically on his or her own learning experiences and processes
Self-Directed Learner
- Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and a commitment to learning as a lifelong process
- Develops self-awareness as a learner and adapts his or her learning strategies
- accordingly
- Plans, prioritizes, and manages efficiently to achieve the goals of specific projects or problems
- Seeks out opportunities to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills to further his or her understanding
- Takes deliberate and intelligent risks and learns from the outcome
INNOVATION
Creative Thinker
- Employs a range of strategies and techniques to generate and develop new ideas
- Transfers Knowledge and skills with ease to unfamiliar situations
- Considers new and diverse perspectives and incorporates group input and feedback
- Identifies and asks significant questions that lead to better understanding
- Acts on creative ideas to make tangible and useful contributions to projects or problems
- Demonstrates perseverance and passion and views setbacks as opportunities to learn
Skilled and Responsible User of Technology
- Employs digital technology, communication networks, and electronic resources to access, manage, evaluate, and integrate information from a variety of sources, including multilingual sources
- Understands and practices the ethical use of technology
- Selects and utilizes the most appropriate media and formats to convey information and ideas effectively to diverse audiences
- Harnesses technology to increase productivity and support problem-solving and decision-making
- Recognizes the need to balance the use of technology with time “unplugged”
COLLABORATION
Adept team Player
- Cooperates effectively with others to generate knowledge and understanding, solve problems, and produce creative works
- Contributes actively and assumes shared responsibility for collaborative work
- Values the individual contributions made by each team member
- Responds with an open mind to different ideas and values
- Demonstrates a willingness to make necessary compromises to accomplish a common goal
- Recognizes the benefits of both giving help to and receiving help from peers as a means of furthering understanding
Clear and Effective Communicator
- Articulates thoughts and ideas appropriately using oral, written, graphic, and nonverbal communication skills
- Listens carefully to identify underlying emotions, attitudes, and intentions and decipher meaning
- Asks questions to clarify assumptions and gain deeper understanding
- Interacts appropriately and respectfully in diverse environments, including multilingual settings
EXCELLENCE
Model of Respect, Integrity, and Compassion
- Understands and appreciates similarities and differences between the customs, values, and beliefs of their own cultures and the cultures of others
- Takes responsibility as a global citizen and acts with the interests of the local and world community in mind
- Demonstrates empathy and generosity and promotes equity and social justice
- Functions as responsible steward of both his or her immediate surroundings and the larger environment
- Serves as positive role model by striving to do his or her best at all times
Capable Leader
- Is motivated to serve without need of recognition
- Sees the gap between the present and the possible and acts as a catalyst for positive change
- Uses interpersonal and problem-solving skills to influence and guide others
- Seeks out and takes advantage of the strengths of others to accomplish common goals
- Exercises power and influence in an ethical and responsible manner
- Stands by his or her convictions in the face of obstacles
- Recognizes and creates opportunities for inspiration
