Grades 1-8

No. Families design their own program, based on each child's individual needs. Some students take only one or two classes per week while others attend all four days.

Our core classes (science, history, math, language arts) are called 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 and so on because these classes should be taken for both grades. Students in a multi-age core class for two years will not repeat topics. They will be revisiting concepts the second year, but at a more advanced level.

No. Students in a multi-age core class for two years will not repeat topics. They will be revisiting concepts the second year, but at a more advanced level—enabling students to learn new skills and hone old ones. Language arts classes will not repeat books over the two-year cycle. Students in the math classes will be working at the level that best meets their ability.
Science and history classes are on a topic rotation cycle as shown below. Our multi-age classes enable students to be challenged at their own level—through instruction and homework assignments that take into account their abilities and interests.

As an example, a child in 4th grade can choose between 3/4 and 4/5 classes. If your child is in a 3/4 class this year as a 3rd grader and doing well, then it would be best to choose a 3/4 class for the upcoming year so your child can participate in the class as a leader on a 4th grade level. There are many advantages to having multiple level classes; to fully benefit from the experience, the class should be taken for two years. If your child is working on a more advanced level and was not challenged sufficiently this year, then it may be best to sign up for the 4/5 level class.

We advise parents not to automatically assume their child should be in an older group. A child's emotional and social needs are just as important as his or her academic needs. Our small class sizes usually allow us to challenge most students. We rely on our teachers to make group change recommendations.

We want students to be happy in their classes and recognize that sometimes a class is not a fit and a change will need to be made. We encourage students to give the class a chance before making a decision. One or two days are not enough time to tell! Please give the class a chance first (four classes). If a class change is necessary, please contact Diana or Christie by email and explain the reason for the change.

Students will receive a written evaluation of their work for each class they attend. These evaluations are completed twice a year—once in February and once in June—and include learning objectives for the class and information about how well these objectives were met by the student. Information about class participation, conduct, attendance, and enthusiasm will also be included.

Students in academic classes have the option to receive a letter grade in addition to the evaluation. While we hope students are motivated by the intrinsic joy of learning, we recognize that for some students, grades can be a motivator. Allowing a choice enables you to make an individual decision for each child and class.