Ventana School takes its inspiration from the education centers in Reggio Emilia, Italy. We seek to foster a learning community of children, families, and teachers who place listening and relationships at the heart of their work. Consistent with Vygotsky's social-cultural philosophy, learning at Ventana is a joint venture between students and teachers who come together in an active process of inquiry and discovery. At Ventana, we value the learning process and honor the concept of time for discovery. While skill building and content areas are intentionally embedded in our experiential curriculum, the direction for investigation and inquiry emerges from children's interests and experiences. Teachers pay close attention to student interest and prepare experiences and environments to engage and provoke thinking, curiosity, and imagination. In-depth study and project work emerge from children's ideas and questions, as well as teacher provocations and invitations.

Ventana students develop a passion and commitment for life-long learning. As our children experience themselves as creators engaged in inquiry and critical thinking, they are motivated from within. At Ventana, children explore ideas that are enhanced by collaboration and tested by negotiation. They are given clear voice through presentation. Creative problem solving begins by valuing differences and gaining new insights. Children at Ventana who are urged to think, inquire, and invent; to become listeners, negotiators, and leaders; and to grow in creative confidence.