The Colby School was founded on a vision of equality, safety and community. The founders of the Colby School took a special interest in making the school something different than any typical type of public school. The population of the school was kept very low, approximately around 200 students. Each grade level was represented at only one time to eliminate competition among teachers as well as competition from classroom to classroom.

As far as adult involvement was concerned, there was no hierarchy. Each individual teacher was treated as such and was able to make all decisions based on his or her students' needs. Instead of a pyramid, there was a circle type of communication where everyone had an equal say.

Along with the teachers, there was a parent co-op and a faculty council. There was, however, a school director but the director only served as a liaison between the groups and did not have the ability to make decisions solely.

Students were not only taught the traditional subjects but were also given core classes such as visual arts, movement and foreign language. In most cases in the traditional curriculum these are seen as electives, but the Colby School saw these classes as essential to helping the students become more well rounded.

Equality was the key when it came to the Colby School. Along with trying to equalize the playing field, the school issued uniforms to keep the students from focusing on economical status. The school made sure that the uniforms were comfortable for all students and affordable for the parents as well. The ultimate function of the Colby School was to prepare its students to honor one another, accept those who are different, and to treat all the same although they may look different. Students were the main focus of this school.