Curriculum

“We must shift from an answer-oriented curriculum to a question-centered approach – questions that ignite students' and teachers' imaginations.”

Our school provides a multi-aged developmentally appropriate learning environment, which recognizes the diversity in learning styles. In each learning discipline, students move to new concepts, skills or levels of understanding based on personal readiness and ability. Many topics and skills are revisited and explored each year at a more in-depth level.

Our general course of study includes:

Language Arts

Mathematics

Science

Social Studies / Geography

Physical Education

Fine Arts

Discipline-specific concepts and skills are presented independently, while general principles, patterns, and understandings are presented in an integrated manner.

Our curriculum is designed to provide appropriate skill development and knowledge acquisition, but more importantly, our methodology encourages the development of critical thinking and deep understanding. We want our students not only to know what to do but also to understand the concepts behind the skills and even to begin to develop new concepts of their own.

Our learning goals are based on State and National Learning Standards as well as the learning objectives set forth by the National Councils of each learning discipline. Our curriculum framework provides a strong connection between authentic assessment and learning goals. More important than mere letter grades are clear and precise evaluations of the many levels of a student's work and progress toward her/his unique educational plan goals.

Based on current research in education and neuroscience, our curriculum and learning environment encourage initiative, deep understanding, critical thinking and creative approaches to problem solving. The small student/teacher ratio and multi-age classes create a community of learning designed to develop independent learners. The curriculum is intellectually stimulating and developmentally appropriate, designed for individualized learning to help students reach their highest levels of achievement.

We have prepared a challenging and stimulating curriculum with high academic standards. Designed with high achievers in mind, our curriculum moves students beyond skills and knowledge to understanding and critical thinking, not just intuitive understanding, but disciplined understanding. We believe that learning and understanding are more important than just getting the right answer.