Every Student. Every Heart. Every Mind.

At Brownell Talbot (BT), we live by the philosophy captured in these nine words: Every student. Every heart. Every mind. Known. Inspired. Challenged. This guiding statement shapes our approach to education and aligns with the qualities detailed in our Portrait of a BT Graduate.

Central to this portrait is fostering a global mindset. This mindset drives an inquiry-based approach to learning, transforming students into active participants rather than passive consumers of information. Our classrooms are vibrant spaces where curiosity is sparked, critical thinking is honed, and problem-solving skills are developed. These principles, along with dynamic and collaborative learning experiences, prepare students to navigate and contribute to a complex, interconnected world.

Guiding Principles for Teaching and Learning

Our educational approach is built on a foundation of principles that guide our decisions in the classroom. These principles empower our teachers to tailor their methods while remaining aligned with BT’s mission and vision.

Purpose Principle

Learning begins with understanding "the why." Engaging students with clear, purposeful goals makes learning meaningful and relevant to their lives.

People Principle

Relationships are central to learning. Education at BT goes beyond academics—it is deeply personal and social. We aim to know our students as individuals, creating an environment where they feel valued, heard, and supported to take risks and grow.

Ownership Principle

Learning is a shared responsibility. Everyone, from students to teachers, takes ownership of their growth. We emphasize “learning how to learn,” encouraging autonomy and lifelong learning skills.

Connection Principle

Learning thrives in context. By engaging with authentic, real-world content, students connect ideas across disciplines, deepening their understanding and ability to apply knowledge in diverse situations.

Inquiry Principle

Curiosity drives learning. Through questioning, exploring, and reflecting, students develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for discovery that supports continuous growth.

Translating Principles into Practice

These principles influence practices across the entire BT community—students, teachers, parents, and leaders. They create an environment that supports engaged learning, fostering students’ abilities to think critically and globally. Our practices evolve as we challenge students to grow in three core areas:

• Concept: Building understanding through inquiry and exploration.

• Competence: Developing the skills needed to excel academically and beyond.

• Character: Cultivating qualities like resilience, empathy, and integrity.

Standards of Excellence

To ensure consistent growth and improvement, BT’s curriculum undergoes an annual review for minor adjustments based on data and feedback. Additionally, every five years, a comprehensive review of each content area ensures that our programs stay relevant and rigorous. This cyclical process reinforces our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

The BT Difference

Brownell Talbot is more than a school—it’s a community dedicated to knowing, challenging, and inspiring every student. By embedding these principles into daily learning experiences, we prepare our students to lead with curiosity, competence, and character. This holistic approach ensures that each graduate is equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and a global perspective.

https://www.brownell.edu.