Small Class Sizes   The Summit believes that having no more than 15 students per class allows students to receive a customized education that is tailor-fit to their individual needs. Not only are teachers able to adjust their techniques and approaches to address students' strengths and weaknesses, but they are also able to form strong bonds and enjoy positive, personal relationships with their students. The students make friendships that last beyond their school career at The Summit.

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Differentiated Learning   Every student learns in a unique way. It would be impossible to create an educational method that would be perfect for every student, so The Summit uses multiple strategies and approaches to instruct students. The Lower School uses centers, diverse projects, and hands-on activities, to name a few. The Middle School uses exploratory activities, field studies, and research, among others. Our faculty is trained in multiple approaches to studies such as reading, math, and science.

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Daily Spanish Instruction   In the Lower School, The Summit has daily Spanish instruction with a more comprehensive focus in the Middle School. The younger students are taught with various methods such as TBR-Total Body Response and songs. The Middle School students learn to converse, conjugate, and read and write in Spanish. We place a cultural emphasis on Spanish-speaking countries.

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University Preparation   Critical thinking is at the heart of The Summit curriculum. From the lowest grades and up, students are encouraged to problem-solve with original, self-generated solutions. Instruction is challenging and motivates students to work and think beyond their regular capacity.

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Active Lifestyles   Healthy living is our theme in PE classes, sports, and in our lunch program. Students have PE class three times a week, and lower school has recess every day. We maintain positive attitudes, good sportsmanship, hard work, and balanced diets. The hot lunch program has extended to five days a week this year, and includes balanced, nutritional, and healthy meals for all the students. The Summit has sponsored The Summit Run in the past to promote healthy bodies and this year will participate in the Springfield Relay for Life.

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Parental Involvement   Parents are invited to be a part of the Summit Parent Organization (SPO) and support the school in all areas. Parents assists with daily tasks such as classroom help and serving lunch, as well as assist with big events like our Gala/auction and the Back to School Bash.

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Technology Integration   With a full computer lab available, The Summit students, K–8th use the computers to supplement their regular curriculum. Middle School students use their required laptops as a text book, encyclopedia, and question-answerer. Teachers integrate film, Internet, Discovery Streaming video, EBSCOhost databases, and other online sources to expound on several academic points.

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Community Service The Community Service at The Summit reaches all grades. Some projects are class specific, and some projects span the whole school. Whether it means collecting goods for needy people, assembling care packages for newborns, or getting our hands dirty at the Springfield Watershed, The Summit students know the value of serving our community.

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Leadership and Performance The Summit encourages students to show their abilities. Through strings, choir, music, and instrumental performances, students express their musical talents. Older students are permitted to lead younger students in learning activities, and students within a class can lead each other through group work. We place an emphasis on self-control and self-motivation. Students learn to take initiative and set their own pace with projects, performances, and programs. Students from The Summit learn to speak up, be confident, and take on leadership roles.