Hernando County Schools -

School Philosophies

Elementary School Philosophy

•    The Hernando County elementary curriculum includes instruction in the following areas:   Language Art, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Health. Learning occurs in an integrated environment that brings meaning to knowledge.

•    Students learn the basic skills in language, listening, speaking, writing and reading through an integrated language arts approach.

•    Students are taught a science component designed to promote life long learning in a world shaped by science and technology.

•    Students learn social studies skills that develop the ability to make informed and seasoned decisions as citizens of a culturally diverse democratic society.

•    Students learn to make appropriate choices for healthy living.
   
•    Students learn through instruction in media, fine arts, physical education, social skills and the application of technology to the learning process.

Middle School Philosophy

The Hernando County Middle School Program will maintain and continue to explore the components that contribute to exemplary middle schools, including:

•     Classroom-based guidance efforts, often called advisory programs.

•     Interdisciplinary team organization.

•     Common planning time for the team of teachers.

•     Flexible scheduling, often in block format.

•     A curriculum emphasizing balanced exploration and solid academics.

•    A curriculum based on interdisciplinary instruction as well as an integrated approach to curriculum within each classroom.

•     Heterogeneous grouping whenever appropriate.

•     Instructional strategies that consider the characteristics of the learner.

•    Collaboration between and among teachers and administrators as they work to improve middle school programs.

High School Philosophy

Hernando County School District believes that international competition and technological advancements have made it increasingly clear that the nation’s economic survival and standard of living will depend on improvements in the literacy and skill of our work force. An individual entering the world of work must be prepared to successfully compete in the modern age.
 
Students will be provided the opportunity for a comprehensive high school education. In doing so, it becomes possible to (a) select an appropriate program of high school study that will help the students achieve their personal and vocational goals; (b) internalize the basic academic competencies at a skill level higher than functional literacy and (c) provide an opportunity to practice the work ethic through knowledge and work. In this visionary initiative, schools are in partnership with business and industry in the award winning Pasco-Hernando Consortium.

The District publishes a curriculum guide which contains a brief description of the courses available to the students in the high schools to prepare them for direct entry into the workforce, for entry into a two-year community college or four-year university. Students, with the assistance of their teachers, guidance counselors, and parents, select the appropriate level within an academic discipline. Students wishing to enroll in dual enrollment courses through Pasco-Hernando Community College, Withlacoochee Vo-Tech Marchman Vocational Center, or any other approved dual enrolled program must fully meet the requirements of the Hernando County school Board and the dual enrollment institute.

Last Updated on Wednesday, January 02 2013 13:58