At 21K School, learning goes beyond content mastery. We intentionally cultivate how learners think, not just what they learn. Our academic and learning design is deeply rooted in the globally recognised 16 Habits of Mind - a framework that equips learners with the cognitive, social, and emotional skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
21K School has recently been certified as an "International Habits of Mind Learning Community of Excellence". We are the first School in Asia to receive this prestigious certification of excellence.
The Institute for Habits of Mind, founded by pioneering researchers and authors Dr Arthur Costa and Dr Bena Kallick, is an international organisation which helps educators, parents, and all who care for children to learn, practice, and infuse the Habits of Mind into their work and lives.
The powerful 16 Habits of Mind is cutting-edge research for Thinking-Based Learning programmes, along with extensive instructor training and curriculum development. The Habits of Mind programmes have been provided to a selected less than 150 schools worldwide., including 21K School.
Click here to learn more about Institute for the Habits of Mind
The habits of mind are a universal framework of thinking, a set of 16 dispositions or thinking behaviours that are desirable attributes for learning and living productively in a complex world. We can use these habits when confronted with problems and situations to which the answers are not immediately apparent. When we intentionally implement these habits of the mind, we become more thoughtful, responsive, and innovative. Our learners can grow their capacity as efficacious thinkers to navigate and thrive in the face of unprecedented change.
In a world defined by complexity, uncertainty, and rapid change, success depends on more than knowledge. Learners need the ability to:
The Habits of Mind nurture these lifelong dispositions helping learners respond intelligently when answers are not obvious. These habits are learnable behaviours that can be taught, coached, practised, and strengthened over time.
21K School proudly stands apart as the only school in India to be certified as an International Habits of Mind Community of Excellence. This recognition reflects our deep, systemic integration of Habits of Mind across curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and culture.
Through Habits of Mind, learners at 21K School develop strong inquiry and problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence and self-management, confidence to navigate ambiguity and a growth mindset and responsibility for their learning.
These habits empower learners to become thoughtful decision-makers, ethical collaborators, and resilient individuals—prepared not just for assessments, but for life.
At 21K School, Habits of Mind are not just taught. They are lived.
21K School is an International Habits Of Mind Learning Community of Excellence where all the individuals value, display and seek to expand, deepen and learn more about the Habits of Mind. We are committed to the Habits of Mind being a part of the ongoing culture of the school. Evidence of the Habits of Mind can be found throughout the school - in the environment, curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and practices as well as in action.
At 21K school, We are committed to the ongoing growth and development of the Habits of Mind. The award of a Habits of Mind Learning Community of Excellence is a recognition of this commitment.
Earning the distinction of an International Habits of Mind Community of Excellence was a rigorous journey for 21K School.
Our Academic Leadership Team completed an intensive six-month programme under the mentorship of global experts Ms. Bena Kallick and Ms. Allison Zmuda.
A comprehensive portfolio of evidence was submitted, demonstrating the authentic integration of Habits of Mind across curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and school culture, along with a long-term strategic vision aligned to our mission.
Upon successfully meeting these high standards, 21K School was awarded the certification in 2022 and proudly recertified in 2025.
This recognition requires a rigorous annual review and application for recertification, reflecting our sustained commitment to excellence.
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Introducing the Habits of Mind
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16 Habits Of Mind
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