Celebrating Uniqueness and Shared Values at de Toledo: A+ Human Beings

The journey of shaping A+ human beings, who are prepared to embrace their life purpose with moral action, is at the heart of our mission. To develop future leaders who are not only academically proficient but also ethically sound, we instill and promote the following foundational concepts:

At de Toledo, we firmly believe that every student is unique, possessing a distinct set of talents, deep passions, and infinite potential. Our teachers, counselors, and entire staff prioritize working with every student to help them identify and nurture their individual strengths. With this exploration, students are empowered to express their authentic selves, building self-confidence and resiliency in the process. High school is filled with ups and downs, challenges, and setbacks. Promoting self-confidence in our students ensures they’ll develop the resilience needed to overcome adversity at de Toledo and beyond. With self-confidence and fortitude, our students’ setbacks become stepping stones for growth rather than stumbling blocks. We aren’t here to tell students who they should be, we’re here to guide them become the best version of who they already are.

Jewish ethical values underpin de Toledo’s educational philosophy. As a Jewish high school, we are committed to imparting more than just knowledge; we're dedicated to helping students develop a strong moral compass grounded in centuries of Jewish wisdom. Our high school embraces a Judaism that encourages students to develop a deep sense of identity and establish clarity in their life purpose. Led by Jewish ethics, we encourage students to question deeply and to think critically about their actions, choices, and the impact they have on the world. Inspired by the Torah verse, Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (“justice, justice you shall pursue”), de Toledo’s 11th graders take a Civil Rights Journey in the U.S. South – they visit the National Civil Rights Museum, the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and other historic sites. This trip, and the school’s focus on promoting dignity, respect, and an appreciation for Jewish heritage, ensure our students graduate as leaders of our community, prepared to take on the challenges of adulthood.

Central to the school's core values is the belief that every student, and indeed every human being, is created B’tzelem Elohim – in the image of God. This value guides not only how de Toledo approaches education, but also how we foster a compassionate and empathetic campus environment. Rather than glossing over differences, de Toledo celebrates them to create a tightly-knit and trusting community. It's not a case of unity despite diversity, but rather unity because of diversity. Our focus on open dialogue and intellectual curiosity helps our students explore our differences to enrich the educational experience, spark dynamic discussions and foster a sense of belonging that transcends mere superficial similarities. Through coursework, mentorship, and experiential learning, our students learn to understand the challenges faced by others and are equipped to become compassionate leaders who champion fairness and justice.