PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
at Saint Mary’s School of Sagada 

The High School program at St. Mary’s School of Sagada serves as the academic preparation for acceptance to colleges and universities, providing the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a career of choice. We believe in a choice-driven curriculum that caters to the needs of our community, both reflecting our indigenous culture and Christian heritage while providing lifelong skills and knowledge necessary to meet the demands of the 21^st Century.  We also believe in a balanced education that nurtures the intellectual, the physical, the social, the aesthetic, and the psychological development of young adults.  Our ultimate quest as educators is to mold young people into responsible global citizens with a humanist perspective deeply rooted Christian values, committed to excellence and integrity in performance and achievement, and dedicated to unselfish service towards humanity. 

Our assessment policies and practices adhere to standards set for secondary institutions.  Achievement in a given course is marked by the “credit, ” the accumulation of which leads to a high school diploma.  Performance is measured by a standard of grades, assessed through a range of instruments (tests, quizzes, class participation, oral presentations, reports, portfolios, etc.) signifying individual achievement, performance, and comprehension of content, analysis and synthesis of data, and critical thinking.  Moreover, a premium is given in recognition to values and manifested lifelong skills like leadership, participation, and excellence in co-curricular activities, athletics, and the arts.  Achievement in all areas--academic and non-academic--are recognized by awards and reflected in college recommendations.