We find ourselves through our relationships with others.
Valor’s Compass model places relationships at the center of everything we do.
Developing Your Inner Compass
At the core of Valor’s mission — to inspire our diverse community to live inspired, purposeful lives — is the belief that education is about helping young people reach their whole and full potential. Through Valor’s Compass Model, all members of our community (yes, adults too!) work to develop their own Inner Compass, which we hope will be a reliable source of guidance throughout their lives.
“We’re not just developing students, we’re developing human beings.“
Valor’s Framework for Comprehensive Development
Our Compass model is grounded in the foundational elements of being a human: mind, body, heart and spirit. “Working the Compass” means that we are intentionally developing key disciplines, habits and mindsets that support excellence in mind, body, heart and spirit. Our Compass model is comprised of four key components:
Compass
Commitments
Without a foundation of relational safety and trust, it is impossible for individuals to thrive or grow. Valor’s Compass Commitments represent the relational agreements we make to each other as members of the Valor community. Through our commitment-based culture, we create a foundation of trust and safety so that everyone in our community is able to take the risks required for true growth and development.
Compass
Disciplines
The Valor Compass Consists of five interdependent Disciplines. Each Discipline represents what excellence looks like in each human dimension – body, heart, mind, and spirit. All members of the Valor community aspire to consistently access and live from their True North, to balance their Sharp Mind and Big Heart, and to constantly work to Align their Actions to their Noble Purpose.
Compass
Core Habits
In order to master the Valor Compass Disciplines, it is critical to develop essential mindsets, habits, and skills. While there are many mindsets, habits and skills that lead to excellence in each Compass Discipline, we have defined a set of Core Compass Habits – two per Discipline – that we believe are essential to developing a reliable “inner Compass”.
COMPASS-ALIGNED BADGEWORK
In the final component of the Compass framework, we chart the path for developing our Compass Habits and Disciplines. In many ways, the Compass Phase System is like the process of earning badges in Boy Scouts. Participants perform different experiential tasks – which we call Badgework – that are designed to help them grow across the Compass Habits and Disciplines. Both scholars and faculty participate in their own unique versions of Compass badgework. The completion of badgework culminates in participants sharing their experience with their community of peers within their own Compass Circle.
Commitment
5th Grade
Our 5th Grade scholars learn the value of self-discovery and make commitments toward their own growth.
Exploration
6th Grade
Scholars begin to explore their ‘inner world’ at a deeper level.
Responsibility
7th Grade
Scholars learn to recognize their impact on, and begin to take responsibility for, their larger community.
Community
8th Grade
Scholars take the responsibility phase to the next level and learn to intentionally impact their community.
Leadership
9th & 10th Grade
During the two-year Leadership Phases, scholars begin embracing what it means to be a leader in and outside of school.
Service
11th & 12th Grade
During the two-year Service phase, scholars develop the skills of bringing their leadership back in acts of service toward others and their community at large.
Click into and interact with each phase to learn more and download sample materials.