Keeping It Positive

Visitors to Placer Academy often comment on our warm, friendly and focused classroom culture. Our TK-6 tuition-free charter school takes a “Whole Child” approach to education, which nurtures many aspects of child development, including physical and mental wellness, and social-emotional learning. 

Our Approach
“Whole Child” learning also guides the way that we approach behavioral challenges in the classroom. Research shows that schools using traditional and more punitive types of discipline continue to experience ongoing disruptive and destructive behavior. These discipline methods are often reactive in nature and tend to focus on short-term solutions. Typically, a child is disciplined after the problem behavior occurs and little is done to teach appropriate behaviors or prevent the occurrence of further problem behaviors.  
Placer Academy teachers use Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and responsive classroom practices to promote positive behavior, focusing on prevention - not punishment. Through these innovative practices, we seek to establish a classroom culture where appropriate behavior is the norm and where all learners can thrive. 

School Culture
PBIS is an evidence-based system of support that includes proactive, holistic strategies for defining teaching and supporting student behaviors to create a positive school environment. Our system is implemented in all areas of our school, including classrooms, hallways, outdoor play areas, and restrooms. From the moment our students arrive on campus, they are guided by clear routines and expectations around behavior. Our teachers model positive dialogue and body language and treat our students with respect. Every class opens with a “Morning Meeting” to set the tone for the day and ends with a “Closing Circle” to talk about highs and lows. These conversations encourage respectful learning and help regulate emotions, while giving our teachers a defined space to address and support any emotional or social challenges that may arise during the day. 

ROAR Values
One of the core virtues of Placer Academy is the belief that social emotional learning and character education are critical in a connected and caring community. Our school culture is built on common values that all Placer students (and our families!) know as “ROAR”:

• Respect
• Organization
• Attitude
• Responsibility

Students are encouraged to share stories of positive behavior, and are rewarded for exhibiting ROAR values inside and outside of the classroom. Many families model our ROAR values at home, reinforcing classroom social and behavioral expectations. And our small school environment makes it easy for teachers to partner with families to address challenging behaviors before they escalate. 

Outcomes
​The result of our PBIS approach speaks for itself. Placer Academy is a safe, caring, nurturing learning community that helps children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.  By setting clear behavioral expectations and directly teaching students about those expectations, we maintain a positive atmosphere for all learners. Find out more and join us today!
About Placer Academy

Placer Academy is a TK-6 tuition-free, public charter school serving students in Rocklin, Lincoln, and Roseville CA and the surrounding areas. Placer Academy inspires with hands-on, Project Based Learning, giving each student the support they need to succeed. Our caring teachers and staff encourage families to be closely involved in our tight-knit community, and we partner with many area businesses on inspiring service learning projects and field trips. Join our public charter school today! Enrolling now.  

---