Grades Pre-k - 3rd
Children learn and play together in community with children close to their same age or grade level.
History
History is taught to all grade levels chronologically in four volumes (years): Ancient Times, Middle Ages, Early Modern Times, and The Modern Age. During class time, students learn about a significant event, place, or important person from the focus time period for the schoolyear. They complete an engaging activity, hear a beautiful picture book read to them, draw on maps, or listen to a chapter from The Story of the World.
Science
Students alternate a science lesson and a science lab each week, focusing on a concept, theory, or scientist, giving them time to dive deep into experiments and discovery and exercise the learning that took place during the previous week’s science lesson.
Creative Arts
This block brings the art of the historical time period to life. In alternating weeks, students explore the visual culture of the time as they learn about significant works of art, artists, techniques, and meaningful objects connected to the time period. Then they apply that learning during hands-on studio time. By creating projects rooted in the historical era, students gain a richer understanding of how people of the past expressed beauty, belief, and aspects of daily life.
Presentations & Literature Lounge
On alternating weeks, students participate in either brief presentations or Literature Lounge, a relaxed book-sharing time. During Lit Lounge, students share books they’ve enjoyed, ranging from family read-alouds to independent reads, and encourage classmates to explore new titles. On presentation weeks, students give short talks on a variety of engaging topics.
Writing Workshop
(1st & 2nd Grade)
This class supports young writers through a guided, process-based approach to writing. Students use writers’ notebooks to generate ideas, tell stories from the heart, and learn clear, engaging ways to communicate their thoughts. Throughout the year, students practice the full writing process while learning conventions such as capitalization, punctuation, and even spelling. Regular sharing, feedback, and author celebrations help students grow in confidence and pride as writers. This class is designed for emerging readers and does not require students to be strong or independent readers.
Foundations in Writing
(Prek-Kindergarten)
This class introduces young learners to handwriting and early writing through developmentally appropriate instruction. Students build fine motor skills and confidence while learning letter formation, space, and simple sentence structure. Children grow as storytellers through oral language, drawing, and early writing projects, and students are not expected to be able to read when entering the class. The year introduces the writing process in a gentle, low-pressure way and culminates in author celebrations that encourage pride and a love of written expression.
3rd/4th Grade
The 3rd grade program builds on our core programming while raising expectations for focus, independence, and academic engagement. Students are encouraged to think more deeply, communicate more clearly, and take increasing ownership of their learning through structured writing and hands-on exploration. Students will have the same subject blocks as listed above plus Creation Station, PE, Writing Workshop, and Interactive Math.
This program serves as a bridge into upper elementary and may also be a good fit for some 4th grade students who would benefit from an additional year of foundational skill-building. Class names are intentionally not grade-based to support thoughtful, individualized placement.
Writing Workshop
Students strengthen their writing craft and confidence through a guided workshop model. Using writers’ notebooks, they develop strong word choice, vivid details, and clear organization while exploring narrative and informational writing. Instruction highlights the author's craft, including dialogue, engaging leads, and paragraph structure. Regular drafting, revision, edition, and publishing help students grow as thoughtful, confident writers.
Creation Station
This block is a hands-on, exploratory class designed especially for 3rd to 4th graders who love to build, tinker, and try new ideas. Students work with a variety of materials to design, build, test, and experiment as they learn through curiosity, problem solving, and creativity. Through guided challenges and open-ended exploration, students develop perseverance, collaboration, and a growing understanding of how things work.
PE & Interactive Math
Student alternate PE and math games weekly. They play math games to improve math fact retention and recall. On the alternate weeks, through structured games, skill-building activities, and fitness challenges, the students develop coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship.