Education is a lifelong process whereby an individual grows and develops in accordance with his/her experience and abilities.  In Red Bud Community Unit District No. 132 we believe that intellectual development is of primary importance.  Critical thinking and problem solving as well as mastery of basic skills and fundamental processes are the primary foundations upon which we base our educational philosophy.  In addition, we feel that growth and development must be carefully and constructively directed through positive experiences which will foster well-rounded, productive moral and cultural values.  If we are to build strong character, we must offer each student a variety of learning experiences, both curricular and extracurricular, that satisfy his/her needs by helping him/her mature physically, psychologically and intellectually.  Such experiences should reinforce the student's self-concept and instill in him/her a sense of dignity and a respect for the educational process itself.  To realize our ideals we must build and retain a competent, cooperative staff who not only demand academic excellence but remain constantly attentive to necessary curriculum changes as well as changes in the total school environment.