At its core, Clark Fork Prep’s mission entails an unwavering commitment to fairness. We believe that curiosity leads to compassion: when truly open to learning, in all its myriad forms, we inevitably develop empathy, acceptance, and kindness. CFP supports the development of these characteristics through our academic approach, emphasis on community, and service engagement.

Academically, CFP students are taught to research, analyze, and synthesize material. This focus on critical thinking–whether during an environmental science presentation, in a language arts literary discussion, or on a history field trip–prepares students to understand our complex and diverse world. Young people who know how to think can tackle problems from various perspectives, and this fundamental skill encourages an open and inclusive mindset.

We create opportunities for students to experience belonging by prioritizing relationships. In fact, the foundation of belonging–which diversity, equity, and inclusion engender–is based on access to relationships. Clark Fork Prep values collaboration and integrity; when we practice these values within the context of community building, we are all nudged closer toward our shared DEIB goals.

Clark Fork Prep’s service learning requirement encourages students to confront difficult issues in our world. By finding ways to address challenges, CFP students learn how to both recognize and mitigate injustice, inequity, and ignorance. No single Senior Service Capstone or volunteer afternoon or donation to the Missoula Food Bank will solve the world’s ills, but teenagers have tremendous power to make a difference–now and in the future.

By the time they graduate, Clark Fork Prep students will have developed the skills and mindset to move through a complex world with compassion and confidence, ready to celebrate their fellow human beings.