At St. James R-1, we believe education should empower students and equip them with the skills to navigate an ever-changing world. At the heart of this preparation is Critical Thinking, a skill every graduate should possess as outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate.
Critical Thinking goes beyond classroom lessons. It’s the ability to solve problems, analyze complex information, and make informed decisions by asking thoughtful questions. We're committed to preparing curious and adaptable thinkers who can confidently apply these skills and solve real-world problems.
This core value is intentionally cultivated every day through specific instructional moves in our classrooms, on the playing field and in extracurricular activities.
Three essential practices that will guide our students toward deeper critical thinking are:
Ask Questions: Curiosity drives understanding. By challenging students with questions like “Why do you think that?” or “What evidence would change your mind?”, we encourage them to explore ideas rather than simply seek answers.
Analyze and Synthesize Information: Students learn to weigh evidence, identify patterns, and consider multiple perspectives. We prepare them to think critically and make reasoned decisions.
Apply Knowledge to Real-World Situations: Students practice using what they’ve learned to solve practical problems, building the adaptability and problem-solving skills outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate.
By embedding Critical Thinking into every aspect of learning, we help students become independent, reflective, and thoughtful problem-solvers. This intentional focus ensures our graduates do more than succeed academically, they thrive in their communities, contribute meaningfully, and navigate life with creativity and confidence.