Traditionally understood, a holistic approach to education has focused on childhood learning in terms of “head, hands, and heart,” referring to cognitive, physical, and social-emotional developmental domains, respectively. Educators and researchers understand the interplay of these domains on childhood development and the necessity for developing lessons that do not merely compartmentalize educational outcomes.
The Mendez Foundation believes serving the whole child through an age and individually-appropriate educational approach that reinforces and promotes the significance and interdependence of all developmental domains – social, emotional, cognitive, and physical – as essential to the health and well-being of children everywhere. Because this approach does not dispense with traditional cognitive models, we find it best to describe the practice of teaching to the whole child as a useful supplement or addition to existing or monolithic models of education. Indeed, students who are physically, emotionally, and socially prepared are considerably more successful when measured cognitively.
We are committed to the principle that children play a central role in their development. The Mendez Foundation and its programs are guided by the principle that a student equipped with a set of tools and skills is more likely to make healthy choices and develop positive behaviors.