Problem Solving, Inquiry, and Learning
Dunham Academy is an intentionally small "brick and mortar" K-8 school with approximately 50 students. Academically, we are a specialty school. Our students have cognitive potential within the top 3% of the United States population, as measured by standardized IQ tests. A substantial portion reach above 1%. Our children have the capacity to move very rapidly through a standard academic curriculum. Empirical research establishes that in order for cognitively gifted children to meet their highest academic potential they should ideally be provided with: (1) the ability to learn material independently and at their own pace; (2) fewer repetitions to master both facts and concept; and (3) a peer group of similarly able students.
Dunham Academy’s mission is to provide academically able children with individualized, accelerated education, which allows them to move at their own pace. We expect each student who graduates to be skilled in inquiry. In particular, upon leaving Dunham Academy, our graduates will be able to: ask meaningful questions about any topic; investigate the potential answers to the questions; synthesize a written and/or visual product that summarizes the question(s), investigation and answer(s); and teach
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others the substance of his/her work. To be able to do this, our students must acquire excellent skills in: critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and oral/written communication. We also expect that each graduate will conduct him/herself with others in a respectful, kind, and thoughtful way.
