Our curriculum is designed to create students who know how to ask questions, seek information, think critically and analytically, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
Methodology
We use an experiential approach: students learn by doing and acquire the skills to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. Learning materials and activities are multicultural, hands-on, and relevant to children’s lives. Our curriculum is integrated and interdisciplinary. Students work both individually and in small groups.
The learning environment and lessons are developmentally appropriate to each multi-age grouping. Teachers differentiate instruction based on individual academic and developmental readiness. Students learn in multi-age groupings, typically staying with the same teacher or advisor for two years or more. This structure fosters strong relationships and allows for lessons that are thoughtfully tailored to each individual learner. Children learn to set goals and take responsibility for their own learning. They learn about their role in the greater community through service learning and mentoring.
While we don’t follow a single set curriculum, our approach is guided by a variety of respected frameworks and resources. These inform our planning while allowing us the flexibility to respond to students’ interests, needs, and questions.
- The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- International Reading Association
- The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
- Center for Responsive Schools
- AMLE
- The Progressive Education Network
- National Science Teaching Association
- National Council of Social Studies
Enrichment
All Community School students study study music, drama, and visual art as part of their core learning experience. The arts curricula are inspired by the school’s annual theme and often connect directly to students’ academic studies.
The year culminates in a joyful Arts Festival, featuring a student art show and musical performances that highlight their work in music, drama, and art.
Beginning in preschool, students also take Spanish, where they learn language fundamentals and explore the richness of Hispanic cultures through stories, traditions, and celebrations.
Technology
Technology is integrated in developmentally appropriate ways across campus. At the Upper Elementary (UE) and Middle School (MS) levels, students begin to receive direct instruction on technology tools such as Google Workspace and IXL, which they use for writing, research, collaboration, and skill-building across subject areas.
Place-Based Learning
Place-based learning– using our outdoor spaces and local community as extensions of the classroom– is important at Community School, and we strive for all students to learn outside of the traditional classroom space, whether that’s by the stream that parallels our campus or off campus on field trips. UE and MS go on an overnight camping trip in the fall, and MS takes an overnight trip connected to their studies in the spring.
Assessments
We are a non-graded school. We hold three family/student/teacher conferences each year, where students set and discuss personal goals and showcase their work. Twice a year, teachers provide skills-based assessments and detailed narratives describing students’ physical, social, emotional, and academic progress. We administer the Stanford 10 to our older middle school students and provide grades for high-school-level course work.
