The Mosaic School is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools. For 25 years, the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) has been at the forefront of creating and sustaining personalized, equitable, and intellectually challenging schools. Guided by a set of Common Principles, Essential Schools are places of powerful student learning where all students have the chance to reach their full potential.

The CES Common Principles, based on decades of research and practice, are a guiding philosophy rather than a replicable model for schools. This research and practice reflect the wisdom of thousands of educators who are successfully engaged in creating personalized, equitable, and academically challenging schools for all young people.

The CES Common Principles describe the core beliefs and characteristics of Essential Schools.

1. Learning to use one’s mind well
2. Less is more; depth over coverage
3. Goals apply to all students
4. Personalization
5. Student-as-worker, teacher-as-coach
6. Demonstration of mastery
7. A tone of decency and trust
8. Commitment to the entire school
9. Resources dedicated to teaching and learning
10. Democracy and equity