Elementary

Wonder | Collaborate | Big Work

Learning to understand the universe, world, and humanity while working and creating with others.

A 6-12 year old child is full of wonder, imagination, and limitless energy. These characteristics are complemented by a reasoning mind, a desire to work with other children, and a strong sense of justice and care. These key characteristics are the foundation for the topics, structure, and approach to learning. 

Our elementary-aged children are inspired and driven to learn deeply and meaningfully because they are expected to engage, think, make choices, work together, problem-solve, integrate disciplines, and challenge themselves. Students at the elementary level investigate the entire universe and all of humanity. This is a dramatic shift from the primary years because elementary-aged children now engage with each other and their environment differently. 

Curriculum and Approach

The elementary curriculum is comprehensive and interdisciplinary within a social learning environment where paired and group work is the norm. We fan the flame of children’s curiosity and questioning, leading to engagement and interest in learning as the adult guides the process and expectations. 

The elementary curriculum is called “Cosmic Education” because it starts with the whole universe and navigates through time to focus on the earth and its natural and human history. Engaging and thought-provoking stories called “The Great Stories” inspire children to question and reason about the universe, world, life, and history. The stories are told yearly to give children a consistent framework and context to help them understand all there is to learn. Impressionistic and scientific charts, activities, and interactive timelines accompany the stories so children can see and touch science and history.