Frequently Asked
Questions

Brookfield strives to help students become self-reliant, strategic thinkers. Combining strong study skills and habits with the will to learn enables them to achieve that objective. To perform higher-level critical thinking requires a strong command of skills that begin with smaller, simpler building blocks in the early years. Just as athletes value the benefits of exercise and practice so that they can perform their best, so should we value a certain amount of routine and repetition in academics. Overall, students demonstrate a high commitment to learning at Brookfield. They become strategic learners who are interested in the world around them and are motivated to use their skills to develop their own unique perspective.

Our 21st century global environment still requires us to use many of our old skills, but in new ways. What is Brookfield doing to address this?

People still need to perform to a high standard individually, but they also need to work cooperatively in problem solving with groups of people who have different strengths. Communication and teamwork skills have become essential for success, as have flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to change. Group projects are exercises in communication, teamwork, and learning to work with people. Group projects are introduced gradually as students demonstrate individual competence, ensuring the environment does not fall into an undirected exercise without focus or goals. Interdisciplinary, theme based projects continue to draw on a broader range of students' skills as they grow.

Why choose Brookfield?

In the Sacramento area, Brookfield has earned a reputation for preparing students to succeed, both in their further academic experience and in their eventual careers. Brookfield's mission promotes individual academic achievement, self-reliant learning, and commendable character. Parents know that at Brookfield, their child is getting what they need for future success.

Brookfield teaches students to become self-reliant learners. Conceptual learning and critical thinking are built on practical skills, which include a complete grasp of the mechanics. However, there is a profound difference between being able to understand and being able to perform, and Brookfield excels here as well. Regular study habits for homework or projects are encouraged, as the practice builds concentration and proficiency. The sense of accomplishment from a job well done instills motivation and the desire for more success. Students experience the "joy of learning" most dramatically when they are able to do it themselves. Once students acquire the skills, study habits and confidence our curriculum instills, they become true self-learners.

What does The School do for developing the values and character of children?

Brookfield offers an outstanding foundation in academic training as well as reinforcement in the traditional values held by time-tested educational institutions. It is a non-sectarian school that fosters the formation of intellect with character. Teachers encourage students to model respectful citizenship and to promote attitudes necessary for a positive learning environment. Personal responsibility and organization are emphasized through the daily preparation of one's work. Mutual respect and the common courtesies of "please" and "thank you" are encouraged, as is good sportsmanship. The Brookfield culture helps students develop perseverance and self-discipline in the learning process. The honor code provides a base for each student to perform with the knowledge and integrity that the work is his or her personal best without the influence of others.

With such small class sizes, what kind of social experience can I expect for my child?

Since so many students spend the first nine years of their school together, many of the friendships that develop among classmates are often life long. Throughout the years, students participate in a variety of activities together outside of the school environment. Some students are neighbors and others play in the same sports groups. Students frequently develop friendships with siblings of their classmates because of common interests and activities and children often cross over grade levels to play together in the after school program.

Why do the students wear uniforms?

Experience has shown that students have a better focus on studies when they are not overly concerned with dress. Stylish fads can be distracting and expensive, particularly among students in middle school. The uniforms are simple, practical, and economical. Students are expected to wear the uniform each day and to abide by the school's dress code regarding neatness and general cleanliness.

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