Characteristics of a New Trier Graduate
What skills, characteristics, competencies, and dispositions should a New Trier graduate possess to thrive in a rapidly changing world? Who are New Trier graduates becoming as they enter the world beyond high school?
Those are the central questions behind the Characteristics of a New Trier Graduate; a unique set of future-oriented narratives and desired student outcomes that are helping guide the District’s teaching and learning into the future.
"Becoming” is a key concept in the Characteristics. Students are in a constant state of development, discovery, and reinvention and that growth is a part of measuring individual progress.
Throughout their time at New Trier, students will have the opportunity to reflect on activities and skills they have developed inside and outside the classroom toward becoming:
- Resilient Healthy Individuals
- Engaged Compassionate Global Citizens
- Effective Courageous Communicators
- Creative Critical Thinkers
- Innovative Collaborative Problem Solvers
Learn more about each of these characteristics by clicking on the icons below.
Resilient Healthy Individuals
Resilient Healthy Individuals
New Trier graduates learn to take ownership over their physical and mental wellness. As they work to develop a healthy sense of self, they adapt to challenges and changes with resilience, flexibility, and perseverance. They demonstrate responsibility for themselves and care for others.
Engaged Compassionate Global Citizens
Engaged Compassionate Global Citizens
New Trier graduates strive to be informed about historical and contemporary issues, embracing diversity and taking responsibility for improving their local and global communities. They develop the capacity to show respect, acceptance, and empathy for all people so they can optimistically pursue positive change.
Effective Courageous Communicators
Effective Courageous Communicators
New Trier graduates communicate clearly and confidently in multiple modes of expression including nonverbal, creative, and artistic, to inform and inspire others. They navigate communication technology ethically and responsibly. Our graduates listen to understand and courageously engage in matters important to them and to the world.
Creative Critical Thinkers
Creative Critical Thinkers
New Trier graduates learn to ask important questions. and they seek multiple perspectives with open-mindedness. They rigorously analyze and evaluate information to draw reasoned conclusions in pursuit of knowledge, and to understand complex ideas.
Innovative Collaborative Problem Solvers
Innovative Collaborative Problem Solvers
New Trier graduates mature as agents of their own learning, motivated by curiosity and independent thought to know more about themselves and the world. They recognize the power of collaboration and feedback as they take intellectual risks to solve problems, imagine creative solutions, and invent a better future.