Guiding Principles

Vertex Partnership Academies is the first-of-its-kind network of character-based, International Baccalaureate public charter high schools dedicated to equality of opportunity, individual dignity, and our common humanity.

Vertex Partnership Academies Student Scholars are immersed in a culture of democratic discourse guided by the four cardinal virtues of Courage, Justice, Temperance, and Wisdom. These virtues are called cardinal (from the Latin word “cardo” which means “hinge”) because they are the root virtues upon which all other standards of moral excellence depend. Rather than being provided strict definitions of the cardinal virtues, each Vertex Student Scholar will be challenged and empowered to define for themselves what Courage, Justice, Temperance, and Wisdom mean in their own life and how those virtues should shape the culture of the school community.

Vertex Partnership Academies faculty encourage a diversity of ideas and viewpoints, which creates cognitive tension and sometimes discord, but this will be essential to learning and must exist in a culture of trust that allows this tension to be pursued constructively. Through Socratic seminars, study groups, academic rituals, individual and collective assignments, each Vertex Partnership Academies Student Scholar is expected to adopt the ten attributes that define the International Baccalaureate program Learner Profile, organized below by cardinal virtue.

Cardinal Virtues

Courage

Risk Taker

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

Communicators

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

Justice

Principled

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Thinkers

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

Caring

We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

Wisdom

Inquirers

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life

Knowledgeable

We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

Open-Minded

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

Temperance

Balanced

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Reflective

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

As Vertex Partnership Academies, Student Scholars exit adolescence and mature into young adulthood, they are expected to take greater ownership of the school environment and collectively prioritize school actions.

Ultimately, Vertex Partnership Academies graduates will be academically well-rounded, multilingual, compassionate, and knowledgeable of the words and worlds around them. As alumni, they will represent Vertex Partnership Academies as empathetic leaders of bold intellect and be goal-oriented decision-makers empowered to make choices that will lead to life success.

As with all International Baccalaureate programs, the aim of Vertex Partnership Academies is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

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