We believe.

• All students can achieve academically and accomplish personal success
• The public school, charter or traditional, can provide a quality education
• Underserved students must be validated and affirmed culturally and linguistically as the first teaching
• Knowing who you are culturally is just as important as knowing who you are academically
• Success in the United States is connected to success in mainstream culture and academia (with exception to professional athletes and entertainers)
• Graduates of CLAS will be the leaders of the 21^st century with a well-rooted culturally-based self concept as autonomous, productive, lifetime learners, who part of the global citizenry

The individual and cultural validation that students receive throughout their studies at CLAS provides the foundation for continued success in their academic, professional, and personal lives. Habits of mind are explicitly taught alongside habits of heart, leading students to challenge themselves through self-reflection and to grow as individuals.