THE GRADES

Living Breathing Education

FOR GRADES 1 THROUGH 8

In a structured, supportive, and non-competitive environment, the Grades teachers present academic material intuitively and artistically through drama, story, art, music, and movement. The curriculum gradually develops in a manner that matches the developmental growth of the child, from the dreamy first grader to the truth-seeking eighth grader. This approach kindles a rich, lifetime love of learning.

Students working together in a Garden School classroom

The need for imagination, a sense for truth, and a feeling of responsibility; these are the very nerve of education.

Rudolf Steiner

Program Overview

  • Designed for children ages 2-4.
  • Class meets from 8:45am - 12:30pm and follows the same calendar schedule as our school.
  • We offer 5 day, 3 day (M-W), and 2 day (Th-F) enrollment options.
  • Class sizes are capped at 10 students, with two teachers per class.
  • Weekly activities include:
    • Visits to our campus farm
    • Watercolor painting
    • Practical, hands-on activities such as chopping fruits and vegetables for a shared snack
    • Forest free play and nature walks

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A child exploring a tree stump on the wooded campus

Nature

Our 14-acre campus allows for the physical exploration of space that helps build self confidence, resilience, curiosity, and joy in the young child. In the Joyful Beginnings program, children spend at least 2 hours each morning exploring our wooded campus and farm!

A child chopping vegetables in the preschool classroom

Rhythm

A predictable rhythm shapes the child’s school day. This rhythm takes into account the developmental needs of children at this age as well as the natural rhythms of the body and the seasons. Each day embodies a breathing quality as the class moves intentionally between stories, songs, shared meals, and creative free play.

Program Overview

The Lower Grades

1st through 5th grade

During the first five years of grade school, the curriculum gently expands to bring intellectual challenges, blended with experiential opportunities and artistic exploration. Every aspect of the curriculum is designed to inspire imagination, cultivate creativity, encourage freedom of thought and expression, and promote problem-solving. From letters through stories to mathematics through movement, academic foundations are laid as children approach learning with care and intention.

The Upper Grades

6th through 8th grade

The Upper Grades curriculum is consciously interdisciplinary and provides a balance among the arts, humanities, and sciences. With an evergreen emphasis on personal development and connection to the natural world, students lean into critical thinking and begin to explore more complex concepts. The experiential nature of the curriculum nurtures their sense of adventure and exploration, while reflecting their growing individuality and search for truth and meaning.

Curriculum Guide Sample Schedule

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