Philosophy

 We at McDonough High School believe that our school is an institution designated for use by its student population and its community. Realizing that our school serves a geographical area composed of students with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds with varying needs, we offer a variety of curricular, extra-curricular activities and programs that suit these needs. Therefore, it is essential that our school provide a safe and orderly environment in which every student has an equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, ethnic origin, or creed to participate in all phases of the educational experience needed to achieve his fullest potential in our ever-changing society. It is our intent to foster the mental, emotional and physical well being of each student, and to provide each young person in our school the opportunity to pursue a successful secondary education.

It is of utmost importance as educators that we strive for the development of the total individual. It is our goal not only to provide for the acquisition of cognitive skills, but also to educate our students in the development of a high degree of self-knowledge, a sense of responsibility, self-conduct and respect for others, as well as to inspire confidence and pride. Toward these ends we offer students a well-rounded curriculum that involves the basic-to-advanced academics, fine arts, technology education and career readiness options.

It is our aim to offer comprehensive and sequential courses that provide students with an optimal choice of content, teaching techniques, instructional materials and learning activities. The primary purpose of formal education is to determine the student's current level of performance, both academically and physically, and to encourage the student to progress at his or her own pace. We recognize that it is our responsibility as educators to use reliable testing and evaluative techniques to identify these developmental levels and to implement strategies for improvement in order to ensure that all students have the necessary skills to meet all graduation requirements.

The individual is paramount not only in education, but also in society. The school must direct each student in fostering respect for authority, property, peers, community groups and cultural diversity.  McDonough High School endeavors to provide all students with an effective understanding of economic, technological, political and social aspects of our society. Students learn the importance of exercising leadership, working cooperatively with others, fulfilling civic and social obligations and establishing goals and values. Recognizing the importance of this goal, we feel that it is the responsibility of the community to offer its support and to become aware of the school's various needs and aspirations.

Our school offers a unique opportunity for students from a variety of socio-­economic and cultural backgrounds to learn from each other and to develop skills in social interaction. Teachers and administrators of various cultural backgrounds serve as models of cooperation and interdependence by means of exhibited mutual respect, professionalism, and open communications. Through the classroom, students are directed toward in-depth understanding of the origins and histories of our many-faceted society. It is our hope that our students, as products of our educational system, graduate with the skills for success necessary to become productive members of society.