The Colby School system used the “Tribes” format in their school community to bring together the students. Not only did the school believe in the traditional reading, writing and arithmetic, but they also believed in instilling self values in the students, values such as respect, responsibility and resolve which are crucial not only in the life of a young student but are attributes that will be used throughout their lives as well.

The “tribe” system was derived from the Native American concept of the word. They as a people were able to form a mutually respectful and cohesive unit. The Tribes at the Colby School were founded on mutual respect, attentive listening, appreciations instead of put downs, the right to pass, and personal best. All of these attributes are essential building blocks in being a productive citizen while in school as well as in adult everyday interactions in society.