Portrait of a Graduate
The Portrait of the Graduate was created in 2023 by the New Canaan Public Schools community, including educators, students, Board of Education members, and families, to define the essential competencies our graduates need to thrive in today’s world. The five competencies in our Portrait of a Graduate—adaptability, communication, critical thinking, curiosity, and empathy — are foundational to teaching and learning across all grade levels.
The Portrait of the Graduate is more than academic standards; it embeds life skills and transferable competencies into every student's experience. As society and workplaces become increasingly dynamic, our graduates must be equipped not just with knowledge but also with the flexibility to think critically, work collaboratively, and continue learning throughout their lives. Our work with students aims to strengthen each proficiency with our five competencies through classroom instruction and authentic learning experiences, while providing meaningful feedback to ensure transparent progress towards mastery.
This district-wide initiative prepares students to be thoughtful, skillful, and adaptable citizens ready for whatever the future brings - at college, careers, and beyond. The Portrait of a Graduate represents a shared commitment by the entire New Canaan Public Schools community to ensure that every student can build both academic knowledge and the transferable skills needed for lifelong success.
