Building a Culture of
Connection & Empathy
We know that students need to feel safe and comfortable in order to learn. Learning is all about making mistakes, so students need to feel supported to risk being "wrong," to share an idea, and to grow in understanding.
A Place Where Everyone Belongs
Because we are an intentionally small school, Level Up Academy students and families feel a strong sense of belonging in our community. In fact, in recent surveys, 91% of families gave us a 4 or 5 out of 5 on our positive school culture.
We teach behavior and social skills just like we teach academics. If a kindergartner is unable to read a word, we don't punish them—we teach the skill. We intentionally teach, model, and practice social, emotional, and behavioral skills using tools like PBIS, Restorative Practices, and Strengths-Based Learning.
Core Principles in Action
Hover or tap on any card to explore how we bring restorative practices and PBIS to life every day.
Community Circles
Every day begins with a circle to ensure every child's voice is heard.
Community Circles
We use restorative practices to proactively build community. When we know one another well, we're less likely to harm each other.
- Students and teachers sit in a circle each morning.
- Teachers share an inspiring quote and ask a question.
- Every student answers, ensuring everyone is heard.
Restorative Questions
Getting to the root of the problem to repair harm & restore relationships.
Restorative Questions
When problems arise, we use a restorative approach instead of typical punitive methods like detentions.
- What happened?
- Who was impacted and how?
- What do we need to do to make it right between us?
- How do we keep this from happening again?
PBIS & #weCODE
Teaching behavior and social skills just like academics.
PBIS & #weCODE
We use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to teach, model, and reinforce our #weCODE values.
- Cooperation: Work together.
- Ownership: Do what is right.
- Do Your Best: Give your greatest effort.
- Everyone Matters: Treat others as you want to be treated.
Positive Recognition
Recognizing what students do RIGHT five times more often than we correct.
Positive Recognition
Using PBIS Rewards, students earn points for showing our #weCODE values.
- Points are spent on special experiences, not objects.
- Examples: Game time with a friend, teacher's chair for the day.
- Class rewards: Pajama day, fort day, or a school dance.
Strengths-Based Learning
Asking "What is strong with you?" instead of "What is wrong?"
Strengths-Based Learning
We use the Thrively platform to identify and build upon each student's unique strengths.
- Annual strengths assessments for students and staff.
- Learning how to collaborate with different strengths.
- Annual Strengths Celebration with families and friends.
Social Emotional Learning
Using a research-based approach to understand and meet students' needs.
Social Emotional Learning
Teachers use data-driven insights to deliver targeted social emotional learning.
- MIDAS profile assessments.
- Habits of Mind framework.
- Wellbeing Index and Hope Index tracking.
Living Our #weCODE Values
Everyone at Level Up Academy—staff, students, and guests—is expected to follow our #weCODE values. We use our PBIS system to teach, model, practice, and reinforce these expectations.
Cooperation
Work together toward a common goal.
Ownership
Do what is right. Take control of your words, actions, and your work.
Do Your Best
Give your greatest effort.
Everyone Matters
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
A 5-to-1 Positive Ratio
Our goal is to recognize what students are doing RIGHT five times more often than we CORRECT their behavior. Using PBIS Rewards, we give students points when we catch them showing our #weCODE values.
Experiences Over Objects
Students bank their points and spend them in our school store on special experiences rather than toys.
- Game time with a friend
- Using the teacher's chair for the day
- Class rewards: Pajama day, fort day, or a school dance
Meaningful Consequences
Using a positive or restorative approach does not mean there are never consequences for negative behaviors. It means the consequences serve to support students in their learning. We hold ourselves accountable to the plans we create together.
Making a Mess
If a student makes a mess, the natural consequence is that they clean it up.
Breaking Something
If a student breaks something, they help fix it or make it right.
Breaking Trust
If a student makes a mistake, they may lose a privilege. As they regain trust, they regain the privilege.
Interested in our Culture at LUA?
We're here to answer your questions and show you around. Choose how you'd like to connect.