Our innovative, integrative elementary program is guided by a flexible, personalized curriculum combining social-emotional and experiential learning with robust academics. Our core learning includes:
Practical Life: In the elementary environment, practical life is engrained into the daily rhythm of the classroom. Children care for plants, materials and the learning space. Cooking, lunch and snack prep take place in our classroom kitchenette.
Technology: We utilize technology in a meaningful way to track student interests, goals and progress, and to facilitate parent communication and collaborative 21st century learning experiences; additionally, upper elementary students share a classroom-approved device for lesson extensions including research
Language activities: aid in the development of verbal and written expression as well as non-verbal communication; examples include introduction to genres, grammar and the writing process
Math works: aid in the understanding of more complex operations and 21st century real-life skills such as budgeting and data reporting
Cultural Studies:
Science, History and Geography including The Great Lessons: aid in the discovery of scientific, geographical and historical concepts; examples include experiments, cartography, timeline of life and long-term study of people, animals, plants and places; currently, students participate in a weekly hands-on science lesson through our partnership with Learn Libre
Art, Music, Drama and Dance/Movement: aid in self-discovery, developing an appreciation for the arts, celebrating diversity and establishing a sense of community; currently, students participate in a weekly music class with our community partner, Piano Sensei, and a weekly art class with our community partner, Studio Beechmont
Foreign Language: students have the opportunity to participate in a weekly guided foreign language lesson through our partnership with Outschool
Field Trips: field trips are an extension of cultural studies; students are invited to join Field Trip Fridays for experiential learning and shadowing opportunities
Peace Education, Character Development and Mindfulness: activities related to peace education, character development and mindfulness are integrated throughout our curriculum. In addition to daily lessons, we participate in short- and long-term projects which emphasize community building and peacemaking. The social-emotional health of our learning community and the community beyond is at the forefront of all that we do, at all times
Outdoor Learning: understanding the interconnectedness of the universe is the heart of our elementary learning environment; in most weather, children spend their lunchtime and accompanying “nature hour” exploring nearby Stanbery Park, which was recently voted one of the nation’s best parks for kid-friendly hikes by Travel + Leisure
Extended Enrichment: our extended enrichment program preserves our commitment to whole child well-being while meeting the needs of busy families. It includes meditative time and opportunities to pursue personalized interests such as art, music, cooking and coding
Elementary students collaborate with guides to develop weekly or monthly work plans. Children are also given the freedom to choose works that appeal to their interests and development. We present both individual and small group lessons as determined by readiness and mastery of previous works, as well as opportunities to engage in short- and long-term projects with the small group or individually. Rather than testing, we use careful, methodical observation as means of assessment. Students maintain both a digital and physical work portfolio. Each school year culminates with a collaborative learning project, service project and/or mini maker faire featuring a philanthropic focus.