Lower & Upper Elementary
1st - 5th Grade
A dynamic learning environment where students transition to self-directed engagement, build critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, empathy, self-expression, and a love of learning.
ELAR (English Language Arts & Reading)
Literacy and writing skills are developed through a structured, developmental approach. In the Sky Room (1st Grade), students focus on sentence formation, punctuation, journaling, and phonics concepts. The Peace Room (2nd Grade) deepens these skills with an emphasis on phonics, spelling rules, and comprehension, while introducing cursive, creative writing, and grammar. By the Song Room (3rd Grade), students explore literature and advanced writing techniques, mastering sentence complexity, paragraph formatting, and the full writing process from brainstorming to publishing.
In the Rainbow Room (4th Grade), students enhance their understanding of diverse genres while developing structured writing forms such as narrative, persuasive, and informative essays, alongside grammar and vocabulary skills. The Dream Room (5th Grade) builds upon this foundation with advanced literature analysis and essay writing, emphasizing sentence diversity, grammar, and critical thinking through literary discussions and projects.
Science, Math, & Humanities
In the Lower Elementary Program (Sky, Peace, Song), children reinforce their understanding of essential concepts such as place value, basic operations, and geometric principles while engaging in hands-on activities related to engineering concepts, weather, and properties of matter. They explore Native American cultures, world geography, and the impact of changemakers on social justice and environmental stewardship. As they progress, students delve into more complex topics, including multiplication, division, fractions, ecosystems, and ancient civilizations, while fostering critical thinking skills and nurturing a love for learning.
In the Upper Elementary Program (Rainbow & Dream), students in the Rainbow Room focus on core math concepts like place value, fractions, geometry, and get an introduction to algebra, and investigate energy transfer, living systems, and Earth processes in science. They also study world geography and history, with a focus on medieval Europe, China’s dynasties, and early U.S. history. In the Dream Room, students deepen their algebraic reasoning and mastery of fractions, decimals, and percentages in math. In science, they explore ecology, energy flow, and Earth's geological processes, and the humanities curriculum shifts to include revolutions and social justice movements, fostering an understanding of the interconnectedness of history, geography, and culture.
Social-Emotional & Behavioral Growth
The Lower Elementary Program emphasizes emotional awareness, social skills, and mindfulness, fostering a positive and inclusive community. In the Sky Room (1st Grade) and Peace Room (2nd Grade), students focus on self-regulation, positive peer interactions, empathy, and building harmonious relationships through tools like social-emotional learning practices, yoga and meditation, and mindfulness activities. While in the Song Room (3rd Grade), students explore core values like ethics, kindness, and inclusiveness while practicing respect, emotional balance, and conflict resolution. Overall, the program nurtures responsibility, communication, and emotional growth, encouraging students to create a respectful and collaborative classroom environment.
The Upper Elementary Program focuses on advanced communication, empathy, and conflict resolution, preparing students for the transition to middle school. In the Rainbow Room (4th Grade), students learn Nonviolent Communication (NVC), fostering honest expression, empathy, and respectful interactions. The program emphasizes respect for boundaries and adapting behavior to different contexts. By the Dream Room (5th Grade), students deepen their skills in self-expression and problem-solving, actively participating and collaborating with peers while taking responsibility for their actions. This holistic approach fosters a sense of accountability and community, equipping students with the interpersonal skills they need for future success.
