The kind of person that we know from experience can emerge from this student- centered, self-directed learning environment is:

• A responsible, responsive person…compassionate and empathetic to the feelings and needs of others.
• A person who sees others for who they are.
• A creative person, a self-disciplined, determined person…capable of making dreams become a reality.
• A person with an accurate perception and acceptance of reality.
• A person who recognizes and builds on personal strengths.
• A person who can learn anything he or she wants to learn and can function in any situation in which he or she chooses to function.
• A person who aspires to become a knowledgeable and contributing member of Steller and the greater community

How is Steller different from other schools? 

• Multi-age classrooms and Advisory Groups
• Peer Taught classes
• Self Directed Learning Classes
• Independent Studies
• Intensives
• Students are active in the governance of the school. They comprise one of three branches of the school government. They have power to make decisions and change policies within the school.
• Bullying is not a part of the culture. Individuality and uniqueness is valued.
• Advisors and advisory groups
• If the student or parent has an idea for something that needs to get done or be changed, they have the power to implement it through representative government.
• More class choices in 7^th and 8^th  grades. Example:  At most middle schools a student would have a year of a class called Language Arts.  At Steller, the student chooses the language arts classes that most interest them such as Public Speaking, Essay Composition, or World Literature. Instead of a generic class called Social studies, the student might choose Psychology, Law Studies or World History. The classes available vary from year to year.  The student might also choose to do an SDL if no structured class fits their interest.
• Students may take classes at any other ASD school.  Schedules must be coordinated between Steller and the other school.
• Students experience the same teachers throughout their time at Steller.  Building these relationships allows teachers to better understand each student’s educational needs and preferences.
• Small student body creates a family-like environment.
• High academic standards. Must maintain a GPA of 2.0 in each semester.
• Very low rate of discipline problems or suspensions.
• Intensives
• Off campus privileges during lunch
• Lockers without locks sends the message that Steller trusts the students to respect each other’s belongings
• No lunch program
• No busing.
• No athletic teams but students can choose any other school through which to participate
• There are no bells at Steller.
• No security personnel in halls.
• No detention rooms or pass systems because of the belief in the integrity and responsibility of individual students.
• Parents are welcome in the school at any time.
• All committee meetings are open meetings.