Basic skills in an individualized curriculum
Chautauqua students read daily in content areas using books at appropriate levels of difficulty. Students complete objective work to demonstrate comprehension and the ability to read for information. Students complete subjective assignments incorporating critical thinking skills which are discussed individually with teachers. Chautauqua students write on a daily basis. This work is reviewed individually with teachers. Attention is given to spelling, sentence structure, grammar, and content. Students complete math assignments every day. Each student works on an individualized program which allows for maximum progress as well as continual review. Students progress to increasingly difficult assignments after they have demonstrated mastery of current material.

Personal development and growth for each student
Teachers are personal counselors and helpers for students and their families. For many students, development of a feeling of self-esteem and/or resolution of personal out-of-school problems is a more immediate priority than academic progress. It is the job of Chautauqua teachers to help students to achieve personal growth, as well as academic achievement. Group counseling is available throughout the year.

Provision of flexible school programs that allow for student employment
Typically, over twenty-five percent of the students have work permits and are employed during non-school hours. Through frequent contact with employers, a continual effort is made to help students be successful in their jobs. All work-experience students complete academic work related to their employment.

Mastery of subject matter at each student's ability level before course credit is issued
Teachers determine fair, challenging standards for students in each course. Students do not receive credit in a course until they have displayed appropriate effort and achieved maximum progress, and passed End of Course exams.

Development of responsibility as it relates to attendance, academic work, and behavior
Chautauqua students are required to make up any school time and/or assignments missed due to absences. Students are expected to communicate with their teachers in advance if they are to be absent for any reason.