The History of Kino School

Small Classes and Progressive Education
​Kino Learning Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit school that has remained steadfast in its commitment to small classes, individualized educational programming, and the basic values of progressive education. No matter how the standards of public school education have changed, from Back to Basics to Common Core to Authentic Assessment to AIMS testing, Kino maintains its focus on exploration and hands-on learning.
Celebrating the Intrinsic Worth and Dignity of Children
The founders of Kino School believed in the intrinsic worth and dignity of children and created an environment where children could receive a well-rounded, child-focused education. They believed that students had the right to be part of the design of their education, created through a partnership with teachers and parents. The current location of Kino School opened in 1976. ​
For over 40 years, Kino has remained rooted in a strong philosophy that recognizes that when students are given both the responsibility and the freedom that lie at the heart of being citizens in a democratic society, they develop respect for others and the community. In this way, students of all abilities can succeed.

How Students Learn at Kino School

Students Learn by Doing
​Education at Kino Learning Center focuses on experience. While there is much to learn and value to be found in structured classroom learning, there is much more to be learned by doing. At Kino, students are encouraged to deepen and broaden their learning by exploring our 10-acre desert campus and spending time in the animal center. We encourage children to foster their natural curiosity and apply what they learn in the classroom to other contexts.
Students Learn to be Good People Not Just Good Students
​Our community-driven education creates good humans, not just good students. As part of our curriculum, older students go beyond the school and do weekly community service hours. Our students are encouraged to take what they learn and give back to their community.
​Mixed-age homerooms are an opportunity for kids of all ages to work together and learn from each other. Younger students can gain from the perspective and experiences of older students while older students have the opportunity to mentor younger students. Often, teaching is the best way to learn. 
​Our priority at Kino Learning Center is to respect the humanity and diversity of all children. Our structure is set up to allow them to have agency in their education, life, and future. As they move through our K-12 levels, their homeroom teachers act like guidance counselors. While each child’s curriculum is tailored to their interests, they have the guidance of our faculty to help them make informed decisions about their education and their future. We work together every step of the way to help them get the most out of their experience at Kino.
We Teach Based on the Student Not the Test
We focus on students instead of testing. Children aren’t standardized so their education shouldn’t be either. Our students are treated as individuals with different educational needs. For example, a student might thrive in math but not be at the same reading level as others in their age group. As opposed to being held back overall, they have the opportunity to keep progressing in the subjects they thrive in. They learn at their own pace with the help and guidance of the teachers and older students. 

The Faculty of Kino School

​Our Expert Teachers Adapt to the Needs of Your Children
​Our faculty are a passionate group of people from different backgrounds who wear many hats. They have varied interests and perspectives but all have an unwavering passion for education in common. This includes the education of the children in their care and their ongoing education. As students express interest in topics and subjects, the faculty adapt and learn with the students as they guide their education without hindering their inherent curiosity.
Every Student Receives an Equal Opportunity
​Students at Kino Learning Center follow their natural interests. The faculty ensures that each child can do so and receives a well-rounded, hands-on education. Every teacher is an expert in their field who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to teaching. Most of our current teachers have degrees in education or teaching certificates. Our teachers have degrees in their fields and many years of combined teaching experience.  
Everyone Has a Place at Kino
​Community is what is most important to everyone here. We often say, once a Kino kid, always a Kino kid. Some of our alumni return to Kino to teach and give back to the community. We appreciate the parents of students who volunteer their time and enrich every student’s learning experience. 

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