Dr. Laura Cushman's Four Endeavors: Industry, Courtesy, Responsibility and Scholarship

For over eight decades, character development has served as the foundation for The Cushman School's educational program.  Our founder, Dr. Laura Cushman, believed that a child who acts responsibly, is courteous and demonstrates industrious behavior will achieve his/her personal academic best.  Today, the endeavors of industry, courtesy, responsibility and scholarship serve as the pillars of our school. Students in grades four through six are evaluated monthly by all teachers through Honor Cards on these endeavors on a rating of one to four, with four representing the highest standard. Students who receive an average of a 3.5 or higher earn the right to be a member of The Cushman School’s Student Council.

The Cushman School Virtues Program, through our teachers' daily modeling and implementation and Values classes delivered by our Guidance Counselor, provides a means to instill in children the traditional values that will lead them to become healthy, productive citizens who lead lives well lived. The virtues highlighted support the four endeavors and include trustworthiness, compassion, respect, responsibility, integrity, industry, loyalty and cooperation.

Additionally, the implementation of the Lesson One Skills for Life program and its Pledge for Success instills in students inner control: the ability to control ones thoughts, actions and behaviors. The Pledge for Success below reminds all Cushman students of the importance of the following internal standards:

The Pledge for Success

I will listen to what others have to say.

I will treat others the way I would like to be treated.

I will respect the diversity of all people.

I will remember that I have people who care about me in my family, school and community.

I will try my best.