Barrie's commitment to respect for self, each other and the environment permeates all aspects of campus life. The distinction of respect for “each other” is an important one, as it creates a vital connection between yourself and those around you; it is at the heart of the concept of community. Respect and self-respect are deeply intertwined. If we don’t respect ourselves, it is difficult to respect others, or for them to respect us in return. This value is so foundational to Barrie that all of our other values can be captured within it.

We live this value by acknowledging the dignity and worth of every individual—including ourselves—and knowing that no action or choice should compromise that. We prioritize the social, emotional, and physical well-being of ourselves and those around us. We strive to establish positive relationships
based on trust and we work for just and fair treatment within our community. We support and encourage each other to develop a sense of community through responsibility, engagement, and teamwork, which strengthens not only Barrie but the communities we are a part of outside of campus.

We extend this show of respect for ourselves and each other by respecting the environment around us: both the learning environment, and the natural world.

Academic excellence is often identified with achieving high grades. At Barrie, we don’t see excellence as an event but an ongoing pursuit. In both Montessori and Project Based Learning approaches, active participation is the first step in understanding and mastering more and more complex concepts. So, rather than imposing pressure to cram information and regurgitate facts we use tests as assessment tools, and we focus on experiences where the process is as important as the outcome. The grasp of concrete knowledge is then a pathway to the development of critical thinking skills like analysis,
evaluation, and problem solving. As a result students can go beyond just finding solutions to the problems put in front of them by developing the skills needed to find the right problems to solve. From there, achievement follows, as do qualities that lead to real-world success—creativity, leadership, teamwork and social and emotional literacy.

We honor and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and we recognize that differences within our community and out in the world are an important source of enrichment, interpersonal growth. At Barrie we embrace a broad definition of diversity that includes race, ethnicity, gender, age, national
origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, language, and physical appearance. Our definition also includes diversity of thought—ideas, perspectives, and values—and the understanding that individuals are diverse in a multitude of ways. We embrace this understanding
in support of our inclusive and welcoming community. For us, diversity, equity, and inclusion goes beyond the obvious of “not discriminating”. We actively work to create not just a diverse community, but one that eliminates barriers to full participation. We create environments and experiences where
any individual or group can be and feel welcomed and respected. We build this understanding into our curriculum and pursue thought-provoking and courageous conversations that increase awareness and inclusive thinking.

Learn how Barrie celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion on a daily basis.

Active Learning is the common ground between Montessori and Project Based Learning and—we believe—key to excellence and cultivating a love of learning. At Barrie, this begins at the earliest ages, when Montessori learners choose their own work and then reteach what they have already learned to their younger peers. As students age they are continually empowered to take charge of their own learning. Project based learning emphasizes creation and innovation of strategies and solutions, which produces motivation to do and learn more in the future. Throughout it all, mistakes and mishaps are not points of failure but of more nuanced learning. The experience is intended to go beyond typical book-learning to include focused reflection. As a result learners are more likely to understand what is being taught and walk away with the confidence to apply knowledge and skills to the next lesson, whether it be on campus, on a school trip, or in their communities outside of Barrie. 

Student ideas, opinions and expertise are valued and incorporated at all levels at Barrie—from students setting the rules of the classroom and choosing their work to students partnering in curriculum design and participating in hiring decisions. From day-one, Barrie students learn not only the power of their voices, but the responsibility and accountability inherent in using them. We believe that voice and choice support a collaborative culture and increase engagement with learning. And elevating student voice and actively incorporating it into the day-to-day provides authentic opportunities for self-advocacy, problem solving, leadership and creative thinking. We also believe that living this value goes beyond what students learn in a classroom to what they choose to put their voice and energy toward. Honoring this value goes a long way toward developing people that are capable and active local and global citizens.