Our Approach

Our approach to education is defined by the following elements:

Place-based, Experiential Learning 

Place-based, experiential learning means learning from the world around us. We use our local community and environment as the context for hands-on learning, which makes learning meaningful to students and leads to greater engagement and deeper understanding. Place-based learning also helps us teach sustainability, developing in students an in-depth understanding of and concern for their place, their community and their environment.
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​Looping Teachers

Our students are grouped into mixed-age classrooms. Grades 1 and 2 are grouped in Level 1; grades 3 and 4 make up Level 2; grades 5 and 6 are Level 3; and grades 7 and 8 are Level 4. Teachers "loop" with the students, staying with them for as many years as the student is at the teacher’s level. This allows classmates and teachers to form longer-term relationships, developing security and belonging. Parents benefit, too, in strengthened parent-teacher relationships and better communication between home and school.

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Mixed-Age Classrooms

In mixed-age classrooms students learn at a pace determined by readiness rather than age. An added benefit is the relationships that develop between younger and older students in which the elders serve as role models.

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Integrated, Project-Based Learning

Our students learn and apply math, reading, writing,  science and other content areas during class time. They also have the added opportunity to connect what they are learning through projects.  Projects are designed to teach skills as well as content, including written and verbal communication, presentation, organization, time management, research, inquiry, self assessment, reflection, group participation and leadership skills. Projects are generally done by groups of students working together.