Portrait of a Graduate

List of 5 items.

• Thinking

  Thinking is the ability to assimilate, to understand, and to work with new ideas and information that may be different from one's own. Nichols School students learn to think in the following ways:
  
  

  • They locate, gather, and interpret information from a broad range of sources and perspectives, including those that have been historically marginalized.
  • They examine and evaluate the origin and content of information and consider its intent, biases, and omissions.
  • They synthesize information from various sources to develop nuanced understanding.
  • They reflect on their own learning processes to identify new questions, problems, and areas of investigation. 

  
  Nichols students learn to think so they will be prepared - mind, body, and heart - to live a life of curiosity, thoughtful reflection, nuanced interpretation, and independent reasoning.

• Communicating

  Communication is the skillful, effective, and respectful exchange of ideas with others. Nichols School students develop communication skills as they are given opportunities to respond to others' ideas with clarity and respect. Nichols students are taught to communicate in the following ways:
  
  

  • They seek out and listen actively to a wide variety of opinions and perspectives.
  • They contribute ideas clearly and with attention to audience across a broad range of media and in different contexts.
  • They participate respectfully in open exchange of ideas.
  • They write and receive feedback on their writing frequently and learn to formulate their ideas clearly for different intended audiences.

  
  Nichols students will be prepared - mind, body, and heart - to listen to others with respect, to be compassionate, and to engage in debate with an open mind.

• Creating

  Creativity is the ability to imagine and to realize new possibilities. Nichols School students learn to envision and act upon answers to questions, solutions to problems, and artistic inspirations. Nichols students develop creativity in the following ways:
  
  

  • They respond critically and imaginatively to existing work, including their own.
  • They identify previously overlooked problems and areas of need and respond with creative solutions.
  • They develop and understand their own creative process.
  • They master the tools and techniques needed to achieve their creative goals.
  • They learn to work collaboratively with others towards common goals.

  
  Nichols students will be prepared - mind, body, and heart - to add their own unique contributions to society and reflect on the process of their creativity and the impact of their creations.

• Engaging

  Engagement refers to a Nichols School student's interaction with the community and the world. Nichols students become engaged as they learn to participate actively in their communities. They learn to be open-minded, curious, and informed global citizens in the following ways:
  
  

  • They develop an understanding of civics, democracy, and the responsibilities of a citizen.
  • They learn about and develop an appreciation of different cultures, histories, religions, languages, and peoples.
  • They interact with the environment and develop an awareness of the interconnectedness of living beings.
  • They participate in meaningful dialogue with others and reflect critically on varied experiences and perspectives.
  • They promote equity for all people by understanding and responding to the conditions that create, sustain, and maintain inequity.

  
  Engagement means Nichols students are prepared - mind, body, and heart - to pursue the highest ideals of character and service into a life lived with purpose.

• Developing

  Development means learning to care for one's own physical, mental, and emotional health. Nichols School students embrace challenge, build character, and nurture a holistic sense of self. Nichols helps students to develop in the following ways:
  
  

  • They learn to understand the behaviors that promote lifelong physical, mental, and emotional health.
  • They develop character, resilience, and self-awareness by reflecting meaningfully on their own identities, cultures, values, biases, and privileges, and by taking responsibility for their actions.
  • They actively pursue and cultivate their own interests, passions, and skills.

  
  Development means Nichols students will be prepared - body, mind, and heart - to pursue a balanced and healthy life. Carrying into all they do the highest ideals of character and service, they will meet our complex and challenging world with confidence, resilience, and empathy.