Portrait of a Learner
Six Core Competencies
These six competencies define what it means to be a Republic learner — from kindergarten through graduation and beyond.
Click each drop-down menu item below to learn more about the durable qualities that empower students to lead, learn and contribute with confidence.
Adaptability
Adaptability is the ability to adjust thoughts, actions, and approaches in response to changing situations.
Learners show this by staying flexible, finding solutions when plans change, and continuing to learn.
Collaboration
Collaboration is the ability to work with others to achieve shared goals while valuing diverse strengths and contributions.
Learners show this by working as part of a team, sharing ideas, giving and receiving feedback, and ensuring everyone contributes to the group’s success.
Communication
Communication is the ability to share ideas clearly and listen to others to build understanding and relationships.
Learners show this by sharing their thoughts in a variety of ways and actively listening to others.
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking is the ability to reflect on one’s own thinking, understand how things are connected, and solve problems through open-minded reflection.
Learners show this by analyzing their ideas to improve outcomes, proposing effective solutions, and considering multiple perspectives when making decisions.
Perseverance
Perseverance is the ability to overcome challenges and stay committed to goals.
Learners show this by sticking with tasks, asking for help when needed, following expectations, and demonstrating a growth mindset.
Respect
Perseverance is the ability to overcome challenges and stay committed to goals.
Learners show this by sticking with tasks, asking for help when needed, following expectations, and demonstrating a growth mindset.
A Community Effort
The Portrait of a Learner was developed by nearly 100 voices from across Republic — including students, families, educators, and business leaders — who gathered for a series of workshops in fall 2024.
Together, they identified the durable skills that connect classroom learning to real-world success. This community-driven process ensured the Portrait reflects both the hopes of families and the needs of local employers, creating a vision that unites everyone who supports Republic students.
"We wanted our Portrait of a Learner to truly represent the hopes and expectations of our community. By engaging families, staff, students, and local business leaders, we’ve created a shared vision that connects classroom learning with real-world skills.”
Dr. Matt Pearce, Superintendent of Republic Schools
Aligning Learning with Life
The Portrait of a Learner guides instruction, leadership, and culture across all Republic schools.
Teachers are embedding the six competencies into lessons, goal-setting, and schoolwide initiatives such as Leader in Me, Social Skills & Work Habits, and the secondary focus on 21st Century Skills.
This framework ensures that every student — from our youngest Tigers to graduating seniors — is building both academic knowledge and life-ready skills that prepare them for success in college, career, and community life.
Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, educators are developing an age-appropriate continuum to help students and families see progress in each Portrait of a Learner competency area. This will support teachers and families as they partner together to support students in their growth in each area as students progress throughout their educational journey.
The Portrait of a Learner connects classroom learning with our mission to prepare each student for future excellence — helping every Tiger grow into a capable, confident and compassionate member of the community.
“These competencies don’t replace what we already do well — they enhance it.They give us a common language to talk about growth, learning, and leadership.”
Dr. John Thompson, Republic High School Principal