The word education comes from the Latin verb educaré, which means "to lead out or draw forth." An underlying principle within educaré—fundamental to Presidio Hill School's philosophy of education—is that children come to school with previously developed interests and skills. The task of the school is to build on those interests and abilities, leading each child to ever expanding circles of knowledge and skill development. 

This is the basis for what has come to be known as progressive education. At its heart is the notion that each child has untapped potential and our job as adults and educators is to help the child discover that potential and develop it. Contrast this philosophy with the more common traditional, or "blank slate" model that posits the child as an empty vessel to be filled with facts and procedures adults think are important, regardless of the child's interests and desires.

At Presidio Hill School, the following tenets of educational philosophy are embraced by a well trained and exceptionally committed and creative faculty:

• Educating the whole child  
  
• Respecting developmental needs 
• Focusing on understanding 
• Encouraging active engagement 
• Providing a safe environment 
• Emphasizing process over product 
• Teaching in integrated, thematic units 
• Learning in cooperative groups 
• Embracing diversity 
• Celebrating creativity 
• Creating community 
• Promoting freedom and responsibility 
• Offering a broad curriculum 
• Educating the heart and mind
  
  Read more