By Amanda Slefo, Director and Partner of Barcelona High School
10 Core Values of a Barcelona High School Student
At Barcelona High School, education is about more than academics—we’re about shaping who you are and preparing you for whatever comes next. With a clear set of core values, we help you navigate your own path with confidence and purpose. Below, we explore the 10 core values that every Barcelona High School student embodies, guiding them toward becoming well-rounded, resilient individuals ready to take on the world.
1. Flexibility: We Adapt to the Circumstance
Flexibility isn't just a buzzword—it’s survival. Life is full of surprises, and flexibility helps you handle them well. At Barcelona High School, you’ll learn to adapt, whether that means pushing yourself or knowing when to take a break. This adaptability allows you to thrive in a variety of circumstances. Our flexible academic and emotional support structures ensure that you can navigate your interests and needs with confidence.
2. Autonomy: We Speak Up, We Are Independent
Here, we don’t handhold but we do guide. You’re encouraged to figure out what you want and go after it. That means developing the skill set that is speaking up for yourself and getting your needs met. Being part of this community means you can stand on your own two feet while also being there for others. Autonomy is key to becoming the confident, self-assured adult you’re meant to be.
3. Innovation: We Create, We Imagine
Innovation is a mindset. Innovation is how this school was created. We expect you to think outside the box, take risks, and challenge the status quo. Here you can see the steps you’ll need to take to either follow a traditional path or forge your own because we know both of those paths work for different people. We value the courage it takes to try something new, and we’ll push you to explore ideas that could change the game.
4. Tenacity: We Embrace Failure
Success isn’t easy, and failure is part of the process. True success only comes after overcoming obstacles. You are encouraged to face challenges with tenacity and resilience here, and we expect you to show up when it gets tough. We care more about effort than outcomes, and we’re here to remind you that failing is just a step towards growth. We want you to get comfortable with failure so that you recognize the immense value a path laid with multiple failures has over quick wins.
5. Community: We Are a Tribe
Barcelona High School is your tribe. Being part of this community means you’ve got people who have your back, and you’re expected to have theirs. It’s simple: we learn together, we play together, and we support each other. Concepts like Ubuntu—“humanity towards others”—or En Lak’Ech—“you are my other me”—aren’t just ideas; they’re how we operate. Being a good neighbor isn’t optional; it’s required. We believe that a strong community makes even stronger people, and we’re all about growing together.
6. Inclusivity: We Are Kind
Inclusivity is about valuing someone else’s humanity. Diversity isn’t something we just talk about—it’s something we live. You’re expected to treat everyone with kindness and respect, even when you don’t see eye to eye. Here we actively embrace and value individuals from diverse backgrounds, ultimately creating an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
7. Integrity: We Do the Right Thing
Integrity is about consistently doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. Consistency is key and it’s what we expect from you. Be honest, take responsibility, and stick to your principles. At Barcelona High School you learn to stand by your values, take responsibility for your actions, and always strive to leave things better than you found them. Integrity is what will set you apart as a leader and a trusted member of any community.
8. Empathy: We Care
Empathy isn’t just about feeling sorry for someone—it’s about understanding where they’re coming from. Empathy is a soft skill that is crucial for building strong, meaningful connections, and it’s a skill you’ll need for life. Here you will build strong connections based on mutual understanding and respect. At Barcelona High School, because of the nature of our international student body, you will inevitably put yourself in other people’s shoes and consider their experiences.
9. Self-Awareness: We Check in with Ourselves, We Are Aware of Our Impact
Self-awareness is about getting real with yourself and is a key component of personal growth. We encourage you to regularly check in with yourself, understand your strengths and areas for improvement, and be mindful of your impact on others. Developing self-awareness means you’re not just reacting to life—you’re thinking about how you respond. It’s about understanding who you are and who you want to become.
10. Humility: We Are Thankful for the Collective
Humility is about recognizing that you don’t know everything and being open to learning from others. You need to stay grounded. At Barcelona High School, we value humility as a sign of strength, not weakness. We encourage you to take pride in your accomplishments while remaining appreciative of the contributions of others. Humility is a sign of strong character and is essential for effective leadership and collaboration.
This is Your Life
You spend so much of your lifetime in school. That’s why we’re serious about these values because they define who you are and who you’ll become. At Barcelona High School, you’re not just another student—you’re part of a community that’s shaping the future. We hope you embrace these values, live them, and let them guide you. The goal is that you learn how to mold these values into a personal toolkit that works for you for the rest of your life.
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