McCarthy-Towne is a community of learners in which children, teachers and families work cooperatively to encourage individual growth and success in a changing world.

Everyone at McCarthy-Towne is considered both a student and a teacher. Integrated curricula and thematic approaches stress cooperation, active participation, and experimentation. Asking questions is considered as important as giving answers; teachers and students value the process of learning. Students' individual needs, personal strengths and learning styles are always supported.

Children are given the responsibility for learning independently, solving problems and making decisions. They are encouraged to take risks and are acknowledged for their unique talents, skills and ideas.

Teachers and parents are expected to be part of the decision-making process for running the school and exploring new possibilities. They readily try new things and risk failure in order to learn and grow. They want the school's environment to be welcoming, friendly, and safe. McCarthy-Towne values risk taking, collaboration, persistence, flexibility and trust.