Headwaters Blog

At Cascades Academy, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is reflected in the choices we make and the culture we create — every day, in every classroom, and throughout our community. Our spring 2025 DEIB update reflects how this work continues to evolve. Across our programs and community partnerships, we are centering belonging, amplifying student voice, increasing access, and deepening cultural understanding.

In recent years, the role of screens in students’ lives has become a pressing topic of conversation among educators, parents, and researchers alike. At Cascades Academy, we’re exploring the benefits and challenges of screen use through various initiatives, events, and expert consultations. These efforts highlight the urgency of the conversation and the need for thoughtful, balanced approaches that center student well-being.

At Cascades Academy, a focus on continuous learning and innovation drives an exceptional, student-centered educational experience. The faculty’s dedication to professional growth and staying informed about emerging teaching methods ensures they are always evolving alongside their students. By embracing competency-based, hands-on learning and evidence-based practices, they equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world. Read on to explore what faculty and staff are reading and leaning into this year.

We find ourselves in a time defined by rapid technological advancements and shifting social paradigms. And yet, educational models — particularly those that articulate student achievement and progress — have gone largely unchanged for more than a century. Upper School Head Lauren Kelley shares how the Mastery Transcript prepares our children for what awaits, shapes a transformational student experience, and challenges traditional notions of what education should be.

AI in education is a double-edged sword. It promises a future where learning is limitless, engaging, and highly personalized, yet it also poses the risk of creating an over-reliance on technology, where the essence of human touch in education could fade. Director of Academic & Experiential Programs Kelly Fast explores how Cascades Academy is navigating this terrain with caution, embracing AI not as a replacement, but as a tool to augment the rich tapestry of human learning. The future of education with AI is not just about integrating technology; it's about striking a balance that preserves our humanity while embracing innovation.