Cardigan Mountain School A boarding and day school for boys in grades 6 through 9

PEAKS Department

Student filling out his daily study planner

Teaching each boy to become a better, more efficient learner and self-advocate.

Through guided self-development, Cardigan's PEAKS Coaches teach boys how to be better learners while focusing on a holistic perspective that includes mind, brain, wellness, and education.

PEAKS courses help each student understand the interrelated factors that impact learning with a particular focus on applying this information to the discovery of how he learns best. Students learn to identify their individual strengths and challenges as they learn to advocate for themselves.

Watch: Students Explain PEAKS

Habits of Learning

At the core of the PEAKS Department and Cardigan's curriculum in general are the habits of learning we instill in each boy:

  • Growth Mindset – students will focus on improvement and understand that intelligence can be developed. We teach growth mindset through:
    • problem solving
    • resilience
    • open-mindedness

  • Self-Awareness – students will manage themselves and reflect on their decisions.
  • Coexistence – students will peacefully and productively collaborate with others.

  • Critical Thinking – students will question and analyze information to draw conclusions.
  • Communication – students will articulate ideas with clarity and precision through a variety of media.
  • Ownership – students will advocate for themselves and take responsibility for their life and learning.
  • Creativity – students will explore and imagine.

PEAKS Curriculum at a Glance

  • Acclimatizing to boarding school life
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Social skills
  • Time management
  • Organization
  • Collaboration with peers
  • Developing self-advocacy skills with teachers
  • Becoming a lifelong learner
  • Transitioning to secondary school

Coaches and Mentors

In addition to teaching classes, PEAKS Coaches act as secondary advisors and mentors. Whether it’s working one-on-one on a math problem or providing an opportunity for students to express their feelings, the role of the PEAKS coach outside of the classroom manifests itself in numerous ways. In addition, PEAKS coaches observe their students in other classes and in other areas of school life, and they actively communicate with the other adults on campus regarding students’ accomplishments and concerns. PEAKS coaches also support the Cardigan community in a professional development capacity, and the department serves as a sounding board for ideas.

PEAKS courses are geared to helping each student understand the interrelated factors that impact learning and wellness with a focus on applying this information to the discovery of how he learns best. Students learn to identify their individual strengths and challenges and they learn to advocate for themselves.

PEAKS Curriculum by Grade

PEAKS® is an acronym for Personalized Education for the Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills®. In recognition of the innovation and value of this unique department, Cardigan was awarded a trademark for the PEAKS® brand in 2009.

Who takes PEAKS?

All Cardigan students in all grades take PEAKS.

With the help of their PEAKS Coach, students develop effective strategies to be more efficient learners. The curriculum focuses on the skills students need to be successful at Cardigan and beyond, including study skills, technology, and wellness.

Learn more about PEAKS

Use the form below to learn more about how the PEAKS Program can teach your son valuable learning skills.

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