Mission & Philosophy of Honor

The Calverton School Mission

Fostering a culture of respect, high expectations, and shared experiences, The Calverton School instills in students intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility, and a strong work ethic to prepare them for higher education and responsible citizenship.

The Calverton School’s Philosophy of Honor

During the 2000-2001 school year, members of the National Honor Society decided to draw up an Honor Code of Conduct that would embody the ideals and values of The Calverton School community. Many meetings were held and input was solicited from many quarters. The language of the Honor Code went through many drafts as it was annealed and forged into a final product. What follows is that Honor Code, approved in May 2001:

The Calverton School is a community of respect, tolerance, and learning. In this community, honor is of paramount importance for only with honor do we prosper. All members of The Calverton School live and learn in an environment of trust. With this trust comes relief and freedom: there are no locks on lockers; there are neither hall monitors nor school bells signaling the beginnings and ends of classes. Here, each member assumes responsibility and, with this responsibility, we all enjoy shared independence. Tension will always be present in any environment that fosters independence, yet through healthy, constructive tension, we only improve and prosper.

At The Calverton School there is no external edict that delineates for us right or wrong; instead, our expectation is that each member of our community assumes a personal obligation to act honorably. Here, honor is synonymous with the Golden Rule: it is acting selflessly, respecting guests, faculty, staff, students, and oneself. To act honorably is to uphold integrity, trust, and civility. Honor is valuing each other. Never condoned are lying, cheating, stealing, discrimination, or violence because when one commits acts that hurt or otherwise dishonor someone else, the entire community suffers. Understandably, in order to protect itself and its honor, the Calverton community will take action should this philosophy be violated.

Everyone will make mistakes—but honor, growth, and learning are the taking of responsibility for these mistakes, making any necessary corrections, and continuing forward.

Be it known that we will uphold this understanding of honor, responsibility, and respect on behalf of all who enter The Calverton School.

Behaviors of Learning

We expect all members of the Calverton Community to be:

intellectually curious
persistent and independent learners
flexible thinkers
respectful of peers and teachers
confident in communication and performance
risk takers
responsible - academically, morally, and socially
reflective and self-evaluative

Uniform Policy/Dress Code

Primary responsibility for the dress and appearance of students rests with the students and parents. We expect students to maintain a clean, attractive, and neat appearance. A warm weather uniform is in effect during September, May, and June. During all other months, the standard dress code/uniform is expected. Dress code/uniform guidelines are published in The Calverton Handbook which is available on-line to all students, parents, and faculty at the beginning of each academic year.

Senior Privileges

Privileges come only with responsibility, and we look to and expect our seniors to be positive role models for all students in the school. Leadership, in both academics and service, must be maintained in order for the following privileges to be appropriate.

A modified dress code, consistent with expectations for all Calverton Students
Parking in the Upper School parking lot
A senior lounge, provided that a suitable location is available
An open campus the second semester
Last Day for Seniors: The last day for seniors will be the day of the Senior Luncheon, provided that the student has completed all required work in all classes.