186th Street School is a learning community where:
* Learning is meaningful, relevant, and fosters critical thinking and life-long learning
* High expectations for every child are communicated, understood, and supported by all members of the community
* A safe, clean, nurturing environment promotes and supports each individual in his or her intellectual, creative and social development
* Everyone values and benefits from our diverse cultural heritage, where there is mutual respect and personal responsibility
* Parents are essential to the academic success of our students, and parent involvement is promoted through participation in councils, the Parent Center, and school-sponsored activities
* Everyone believes that all children can achieve by meeting or exceeding the California academic standards