Culture and Crew
Explore Schoolwide Character Traits
Craftsmanship - Students bravely engage in the pursuit and application of skill, care, and attention to detail in the creation of work, where quality, precision, and pride in the outcome are paramount. It reflects a deep commitment to excellence, often combining technical mastery with an aesthetic sensibility, regardless of the medium or discipline.
Integrity - Student conduct is consistent adherence to moral and ethical principles, demonstrated through honesty, responsibility, and fairness in all actions. In academics, it means upholding standards of truthfulness and originality in one’s work. In personal conduct, it reflects a commitment to doing what is right—even when it is difficult or when no one is watching.
Compassion - Students work to deepen awareness of the needs of others, coupled with a genuine desire to help. It is expressed through acts of kindness, empathy, and support, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility within a community. Compassion motivates individuals to take meaningful action that uplifts others and contributes to the common good.
Impact - Students work to understand the meaningful and lasting influence one has on others and the world, achieved through intentional actions rooted in kindness, ethical conduct, and social awareness. It reflects a commitment to service, the promotion of well-being, and the creation of positive change— whether through small daily choices or larger community efforts.
Collaboration - Students engage in the act of working together with others—sharing ideas, responsibilities, and strengths—to achieve common goals. It thrives on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared vision. As students and global-citizens, collaboration empowers us to combine our unique perspectives and talents to solve problems, uplift communities, and create a more compassionate and connected world.
Crew
Crew is a ritual, a coming together, and the creation of a close-knit student community. An integral part of the EL Education model, each school in our network brings students together in a consistent and supportive group. Crew is a place where character education, adventure, and team building are intentional, assuring success for all students. It’s a structure that fosters a sense of belonging within students and a place where they can be their best selves while lifting up their peers to achieve more than they think possible.
Across our network of schools, partners, and EL Education staff, Crew can take on a variety of forms. And in fact, depending on how and where the practice of Crew is applied, it is often molded into a philosophy and a practice that best serves the unique needs of each respective school, district, or peer community.
It is a structure. A group of students who meet together to support and push each other in school, and life.
It is a spirit, a way of being. To be "Crew" means to pitch in to help each other, to step up and take responsibility for everyone's well-being around you. Crew isn’t only for students. The spirit of Crew can be observed across the EL Education network, among school leaders and teachers, as well among our national staff. At EL Education, the spirit of Crew is one of the most important tenets of our organizational culture and character.