To educate our children wisely requires that we create generative learning communities, by design. Such learning communities have their roots in meaning, not memory; engagement, not transmission; inquiry, not compliance; exploration, not acquisition; personalization, not uniformity; interdependence, not individualism; collaboration, not competition; and trust, not fear. - Stephanie Pace Marshall
Elementary School
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.
