It historically emphasized project-based learning, teacher-led curriculum development, and parent involvement in all aspects of school operation.

CAPS, established in 1972 by a group of parents, was a small, nationally acclaimed magnet school with a progressive educational philosophy.

Len Solo, who served as the school's principal from its founding until the early 2000s, explained the approach: "We encourage our teachers to develop their own curriculum.

"[3]: 54 A key component of the curriculum for the school's first two decades was the Creole bilingual education program serving Haitian immigrants.

[2] A 2013 article on Graham and Parks in the Berkeley Review of Education described how the efforts of teachers to address the "socio-emotional, developmental, and cultural needs" of students were increasingly in tension with the "narrow limits of the traditional mandates" imposed by the district and state.

[13] Parents faulted Smith for creating a "tense" and "toxic" atmosphere, alleging that teachers and staff felt "targeted" and "disrespected" by the principal.

[14] A public records request revealed that Smith had left her previous position as principal of the Underwood Elementary School in Newton, MA after an investigation concluded that she had created a "toxic working environment" for teachers.