Welcome to The Learning Tree, where we not only nurture academic excellence but also deeply value the principles of community, service, and equality championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we navigate the academic year, the spirit of Dr. King’s dream resonates through our school’s mission and daily activities, especially during Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We believe in fostering an environment where every student understands their role in building a just and equitable society, mirroring Dr. King’s lifelong dedication.
Celebrating MLK Day: A Day of Reflection and Service
At The Learning Tree, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a day off from school; it’s an opportunity for our students, staff, and families to reflect on Dr. King’s profound impact on the world. While our school is closed on Monday, January 20th, 2025, in observance of Dr. MLK Jr. Day, the lessons of Dr. King are actively incorporated into our curriculum throughout the year. We encourage our students to use this day to engage in acts of service and learning that honor Dr. King’s legacy.
Image: The Learning Tree Preparatory School registration box for the 2024-2025 school year, inviting new enrollments.
Our commitment to Dr. King’s ideals is also evident in our history. As highlighted in a 2019 NYU Washington News article, The Learning Tree has a strong track record of encouraging Black students to excel, embodying Dr. King’s vision of equal opportunity and achievement for all. This dedication to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for all students is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy.
Furthermore, The Learning Tree’s middle school students have actively participated in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrations, showcasing their talents and paying tribute to Dr. King’s legacy through performance. This participation, captured in a 2019 video, demonstrates our school’s proactive approach to honoring Dr. King and instilling his values in our students.
Image: Smiling portrait of a person, possibly a staff member or administrator at The Learning Tree, representing the welcoming community.
Integrating MLK’s Principles into Our Learning Tree Mission
The Learning Tree’s mission deeply resonates with the values espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our mission is to cultivate a school climate where students are encouraged to be responsible, develop moral character, and become competent members of society. These principles directly align with Dr. King’s teachings on ethical conduct, community responsibility, and the pursuit of a better world for all.
We strive to empower our students to:
- Be Responsible and Clean in Thought, Word, and Deed: Reflecting Dr. King’s emphasis on nonviolence and ethical behavior.
- Develop Moral Exemplary Characters: Building students’ integrity and sense of justice, mirroring Dr. King’s moral leadership.
- Develop a Positive Self-Image: Fostering self-esteem and confidence in every student, echoing Dr. King’s belief in the inherent worth of every individual.
- View Themselves as Self-Directed Learners: Encouraging intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning, essential for progress and social change, as advocated by Dr. King.
- Master Basic and Grade-Level Skills: Providing a strong academic foundation to empower students to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society, a key aspect of Dr. King’s vision of equality.
- Gain a Clear Idea of What it Means to Be a Competent Member of Society: Preparing students to be active and responsible citizens, capable of contributing to their communities and upholding democratic values, aligning with Dr. King’s civic engagement.
- Develop a Keen Awareness of Art, Humanities, and Technology: Providing a well-rounded education that broadens horizons and fosters creativity, essential for a thriving and inclusive society, reflecting Dr. King’s appreciation for culture and progress.
The Learning Tree: Rooted in Values, Growing in Excellence
Just as a learning tree symbolizes growth, knowledge, and nurturing, The Learning Tree is committed to fostering the growth of each student, rooted in strong values that echo the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We invite you to join our community, where we learn, grow, and strive for excellence together, inspired by the enduring legacy of Dr. King.
For more information about The Learning Tree Preparatory School, our programs, and our commitment to Dr. King’s values, please contact us. We are located in the Bronx, serving Districts 10 and 11 and surrounding communities, and welcome inquiries for students from Nursery through 8th grade.
References:
- Forbes Magazine. (2023, February). Low Cost of NYC Private Schools. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerrymcdonald/2023/03/02/the-not-so-secret-world-of-low-cost-new-york-city-private-schools/?sh=4ebf5b3a23d2
- Leading Legacy – Cabrini Health Foundation. (2023, February). Black History Month Spotlight Blog. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpBEKGkuS69/
- DAILY NEWS Opinion Article. (2023, January). Let Parents Choose Their Kids’ School. https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-let-parents-choose-their-schools-20230126-ggalfk6a7vaxdkcgt2rlos43jq-story.html
- NYU Washington News. (2019, April). Bronx Prep School Encourages Black Students to Excel. https://nyunews.com/news/2019/04/08/gls-student-donates-funds-to-former-high-school/
- YouTube. (2019). TLT Middle School Students perform at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkOE2Szk9is
