The ideal graduate of Clay Academy will demonstrate an enthusiasm and commitment to life long learning which will enable him/her to be competitive in an ever changing, highly technological and global society. All Clay graduates will possess a common core of skills, attributes, and values. That is, graduates from Clay Academy will be able to demonstrate a high level of competence in many areas of knowledge. More specifically stated, in the subject areas below our graduates will:

Mathematics:

• Have a strong foundation in mathematics
• Apply mathematical concepts to real life situations
• Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and application of international currency and its interdependence/impact on the global economy

Computer Science and Technology:

• Have a strong foundation in computer science and technology
• Apply these concepts in their daily lives
• Be aware of international resources and how to access them
• Be able to access, study, research, and learn from worldwide databases and networks
• Have strong motor skills, including the ability to type 45 wpm or more

Science and Health:

• Understand and be able to apply scientific research methods in problem solving and investigative projects
• Have an understanding of global ecological concerns
• Promote responsible management of natural resources consumption
• Have a strong foundation in science and health
• Be able to apply these concepts in real-life situations
• Strive to be physically fit
• Strive to be healthy and seek access to health care
• Be drug and alcohol free
• Take responsibility for their mental and emotional health

Social Sciences:

• Have a strong foundation in international history, geography, and culture
• Be able to learn from history
• Be aware of how history effects them
• Have a sense of history so they won't repeat past mistakes
• Be able to discern myth from fact and truth from fiction
• Be socially aware and involved in world decisions
• Be aware of and able to deal with the global economy
• Be ecologically, globally and geographically functional
• Understand the world and global interdependence
• Understand different cultures
• Value diversity
• Be un-accepting of bigotry or racism
• Be open thinkers and see divergent views
• Actively volunteer
• Vote and campaign
• Have a sense of personal responsibility versus a sense of entitlement
• Be interested in current affairs and have a basic understanding of democracy and government structures

Communication:

• Have strong language, reading, and writing skills
• Be able to apply these concepts in their daily lives
• Be literate and articulate
• Be able to apply knowledge
• Know how to learn from information accessed
• Have critical thinking skills far beyond reading, such as synthesis, analysis, and evaluation
• Be bilingual or multilingual
• Be able to express themselves in more than one language

Individual Development:

• Have strong leadership skills
• Be self-directed, lifelong learners
• Have a sense of self-esteem and worth
• Be secure and confident
• Deal effectively with stress and changing situations
• Have many opportunities to witness their own success
• Be able to operate outside the "nine dots"
• Know what options they have and how to achieve them
• Apply basic legal, ethical and moral laws
• Be self-advocates while respecting the rights of others
• Have common sense and intuition

Fine Arts:

• Have a strong foundation in music and art
• Be able to apply these concepts in their daily lives
• Understand that value regarding quality of life includes the arts and entertainment.
• Have a sense of what constitutes quality art and music
• Understand the important role that music and art has played in the history and culture of mankind
• Engage in some form of artistic expression