Since its founding in 1954, Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School has viewed itself as "a different kind of place" - a place that not only tolerates but truly values diversity in style and substance. This quality manifests itself in the academic program and in the general atmosphere of the school, and may best be seen in the respectful and warm relationships between students and adults, the high degree of autonomy for and participation by the faculty in decisions, and a school culture marked by commitment to innovation and experimentation.

Through a challenging academic program and a wide variety of school activities, students are expected to make choices and to have a degree of power over their own education. The ability to make good choices requires the development of a sense of responsibility and an understanding of the ethical implications of their actions. Formality and standardization have, in the life of the school, been less important than creativity, originality, and critical thinking skills. The school culture also seeks to join academic skills to an active civic concern for the L-S community, American society, and the world beyond.

The school's Core Values - fostering of cooperative and caring relationships, respect for human differences, and the development and maintenance of a purposeful and rigorous academic program - constitute the foundation of the operation of Lincoln-Sudbury. In addition, in 1993, L-S defined five general areas of student performance, which serve as the underpinnings of the longer list of student expectations which follows. These areas are:

The L-S Student:

1. Learns to participate actively in, and make important choices about, his or her learning.

2. Understands, appreciates, participates in, and contributes to affairs of the community - be it the school, the nation, or the world.

3. Reads carefully and critically, and has read both English/American and representative world literature.

4. Writes and speaks carefully, thoughtfully, and effectively.

5. Understands, and is able to use, a variety of mathematical methods to solve problems.

6. Is able to use technology appropriately to help create, investigate, and communicate.

7. Understands and applies the concepts of personal physical fitness, health, and nutrition.

8. Understands, and communicates in, at least one language in addition to English, with additional understanding of different cultural characteristics.

9. Has studied the major events, themes, and scope of U. S. History, and has explored in some depth the history of other parts of the globe.

10. Is familiar with basic scientific methodology and principles, and has a background in biological and physical sciences.

11. Is encouraged to develop artistic and creative ability, and to explore how aesthetics can enlarge understanding of all disciplines.

12. Is able to work cooperatively with others.

13. Behaves in a manner that, while it may be individualistic and perhaps non-conformist, is decorous, civil, and attentive to the needs and feelings of others.

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School:

1. Focuses on teaching and learning as central and indisputable missions.

2. Promotes and maintains an atmosphere where students will learn to do their best work, and make their best effort.

3. Encourages and allows students to participate in decisions about their learning.

4. Presents a meaningful curriculum that builds on fundamental skills, but is creative and adaptable in its delivery.

5. Finds ways to recognize and honor students for a variety of achievements.

6. Continues to celebrate the school's history and mission, and nurture that which has made L-S a special place for over forty years.

7. Insists on a non-violent school climate, and provides students with the skills to deal with conflict effectively.

8. Fosters close relationships between students and staff members.

9. Provides a variety of counseling services for all students to help them cope with and overcome difficulties, problems, and stresses that may impede their learning.

10. Provides a broad range of athletic and extracurricular opportunities for students.

11. Promotes an atmosphere within the school where civil and thoughtful debate, dissent, and disagreement are not only permitted, but encouraged without fear of retribution or censure.

12. Finds ways to make the school experience a joyful as well as rigorous one.

13. Maintains facilities that are appropriate to the school's many purposes.

14. Understands, values, and attends to the educational needs of a diverse and multicultural student population.

15. Provides opportunities to explore and understand personal issues and relationships.

16. Fosters creative thought and expression.