Tuesdays & THURSDAYS, 9am to 4pm
Class Day Schedule
Primary (K-2)
Students will have several learning blocks punctuated by break times where they can play, move, and spend time outdoors. The learning blocks will include instruction in core subjects (social studies, STEM, math circle, and literature). Students will also have music, art, and Explorations daily. Students will have an hour break for lunch and outdoor time.
Intermediate (3-5)
Students will spend the morning in core classes: social studies, STEM, math circle/critical thinking, literature circle, and writing. After a full hour break for lunch and recess, students will have music, art, and a long Explorations block.
Secondary (6-8)
Students will have their long Explorations block in the morning, followed by core subjects (social studies, STEM, math circle/critical thinking, literature circle, and writing). Music and art will also be included during the day. Students will have an hour break for lunch and outdoor time.
Fridays, times vary
Field Trip Day
Every Friday, we will take a combined field trip to a location that aligns with topics that we’re studying in the classroom. Parents (and younger siblings) may attend field trips and get to know the community, or may drop their student off. Field trips will be approximately 2 hours, and will often be in the morning.
Sample of Past Field Trips: Museum of Natural History, Turner Observatory, National Gallery of Art, Long Branch Nature Center, National Air & Space Museum, Museum of American History, Monuments Tour, Ice Skating, National Arboretum
What Are explorations?
Explorations is a learning block during our school day that offers a unique combination of inquiry-based, project-based, and self-directed learning.
In the Primary (K-2) years, students will explore a rotation of new topics together using our specialty materials and resources. The topics will be heavily influenced by student-driven curiosities. Sample topics include coding, building, cooking, special art topics, chess, sewing, gardening, robotics, yoga, dance—the possibilities are unlimited!
In Intermediate (3-5) and Secondary (6-8), Explorations is a learning block where students collaborate to tackle big questions, solve problems, and delve deeply into areas of interest. Students will be guided by the teacher through questions that require them to conduct research or experiments and create artifacts or projects to present their learning. For example, students may explore voices throughout history through research, field experiences, and studying primary sources, and create an art project, a computer program, or a stop-motion animation with a friend to share their findings. This will allow students to explore areas of particular interest while gaining knowledge and experience in a given content area.
how is curriculum determined?
Curriculum will be selected holistically each year through the collaboration of leadership and instructional staff. Our curriculum is tailored to the individual needs of our particular students, and is curated from the following representative options as well as uniquely crafted by our teachers.
sample curricula
Language Arts
Brave Writer, Michael Clay Thompson, Reed Novel Studies, Junior Great Books
Math & Logic
Spielgaben, Montessori, National Association of Math Circles, Math Games
STEM
Mystery Science, Elemental Science, Core Knowledge, TeachEngineering, Robotics, Coding
Social Studies & Critical Thinking
Story of the World, History Odyssey, ThinkLaw, Byrdseed
Fine Arts
Teacher-Designed Curriculum, SQUILT, Masterpiece Society
Social-Emotional Learning
Friendzy