Elementary

Kindergarten – 5th Grade

• One class per grade level with approximately 20 students per grade
• Kindergarteners have an assigned classroom with a lead teacher and interns; in addition, kindergarteners work with content teachers for geography, music, and swimming.
• First through fifth grade students have content-based schedules (similar to middle school students), which allows for flexible groupings of students into small classes of 6 to 10 per class.
• Fourth and fifth grade students are mixed and “looped” through a two-year curriculum cycle, which allows for flexible scheduling, opportunities for leadership (student teaching and mentoring), and a developmentally appropriate broadening of their social network.
• All elementary classes emphasize the individual development of conceptual and critical thinking using exploratory and project-based curriculum models.
• “Facts” are taught in support of deeper learning; depth of study is emphasized; higher order thinking is encouraged.
• To support our focus on the development of the whole child, our subject areas are grouped according to key learning processes:  
       - Literacy Development
       - Creativity, Self-expression, and Movement
       - Analytical Thinking, Reasoning and Problem Solving 
       - Systemic Thinking, Social Development and Civic
         Participation
         Read more about curriculum 
• The school is sited on three beautiful, tree shaded acres which include: a spacious sandbox, garden areas, creative play areas, a sports field and a unique maze/climbing area called Lower Yard.
• Inside spaces are designed for children’s comfort and exploration, including many sunlit classrooms, free choice areas, reading lofts and nooks, and an indoor swimming pool.