Foundational Principles

The American educational crisis persists because we dogmatically maintain “good intentions in the service of inadequate ideas.” (Dr. Ed Hirsch, founder of the Cultural Literacy movement, in The Knowledge Deficit.)

Inadequate paradigm #1: Both public and private school systems are modeled on factories and the efficiencies of mass production, turning out an educated “product” that has been through a 12-year assembly line. If the student "product" proves inferior, the system re-trains or fires teachers.

Paradigm shift: BrainBuilder trainers and mentors understand two things: 1) some form of top-down industrial educational model is necessary and 2) bottom-up, personal in-home mentoring, coaching, and/or tutoring can balance and complement the impersonal nature of mass education.

Inadequate paradigm #2: Classroom time focuses on academic skills, especially in the early years, and tests to determine the state of those skills.

Paradigm shift: There IS a place for exercises and tests, but BrainBuilder trainers and mentors focus on rich, interesting, relevant content to motivate learners more effectively.

Inadequate paradigm #3: Scientific research and pharmaceuticals will solve the problems of those with learning issues.

Paradigm shift: BrainBuilder trainers and mentors work to identify and address the emotional, relational, and spiritual roots of the individual student’s learning issues.

Inadequate paradigm #4: Institutions and governments are primarily responsible for the education of America's youth.

Paradigm shift: The trainers and mentors at BrainBuilders Gymnasium understand that the educational establishment cannot succeed without strong, stable families taking active responsibility for the education of their children. BrainBuilders Gymnasium offers parents professional assistance to optimize each high school student's educational experience by enhancing writing, reading, speaking and critical thinking.