What is Desiderata?

 

"You are a Child of the Universe"

 

First and foremost, Desiderata School advocates the recognition that every student is a unique individual with a unique and critical role in life, and that no standardized benchmark can measure the progress a person makes toward fulfulling his or her singular purpose.

 

Desiderata School is a non-profit private school specializing in small-group instruction and specialized curricula.  Our 8:1 maximum student to instructor ratio, combined with our proficiency-based model, makes our programs equally ideal for advanced or gifted (TAG) students and students with ADD/ADHD or other social challenges.  For over 25 years we have been assisting remarkable students with the achievement of a respected and accredited high school diploma.  Our graduates have gone on to be successful in the workplace and in colleges and universities across the nation.

 

 

 

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann