We believe that the most important kind of diversity is the diversity of thought. Different avenues of thought will lead to creative ideas and solutions and will foster innovation. We encourage our students to avoid seeking consensus and enforcing dogma and instead appreciate and respect diverse attitudes and world views.
We believe that students should be exposed to a wide range of ideas and perspectives. Understanding opposing views broadens one’s horizons and deepens one’s understanding of the world. By becoming aware that many reasonable people hold opposing views to their own, students will learn to appreciate the complexity of society and the diversity of their own customers.
Instead of shielding our students from opposing or conflicting views, we encourage them to argue the merits of their position and the flaws of an alternative perspective.
Learning to handle adversity through civil discourse builds strong character. The ability to articulate a position and convince others is one of the most important life skills that we can help our students acquire.
We expect each of our students to treat their peers with respect and dignity regardless of their background or opinions. We encourage the vigorous exchange of ideas between our students; at the same time, we insist that it is always done in a civilized manner. Through civil discourse, our students learn and practice tolerance and respect for those who are different than themselves.
Our faculty serve as moderators and facilitators of a civil exchange of ideas to avoid inhibiting students’ diversity of thought. As such, Ventures is strictly an apolitical institution. The school and its staff do not express any political position or specific stance on policy, politics, and social discourse. Any discussion of such matters in school will solely occur to foster in-depth analysis, understanding, and civilized debate among students.
We believe that a school’s role is to provide students with knowledge, skills, and experiences, while respecting the parents’ role of guiding children through establishing their own moral, political, and religious compass.
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