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Elementary

Cultivating Curiosity

Children at this stage are abstract rational thinkers. As curious and active participants in their own learning, they often choose what their work is, where to do it, when to do it and with whom to do it. Socialization is a key element of this plane and the classroom community provides a mini-society where children actively seek to find and create their place in the group. 

Elementary (ages 6-9)

Lower Elementary

6–9 years old by September 1st

Full Day program
8:40am – 3:25pm

Class Size:
28 Students

Student to Teacher Ratio:
1:14

At the Lower Elementary (6-9) level, students are given a "vision of the universe." Beginning with the origins of our planet, students explore the mysteries of our universe as they learn to place themselves within the context of modern civilization. As they develop respect for past events, they become aware of their own roles and responsibilities in the global society of today and tomorrow.

Curricular areas include mathematics, language, geography, botany, zoology, history, and physical science.

  • Individual student-teacher conferences allow students to choose their work with adult guidance.
  • Students cultivate independent learning through work journals.
  • Presented lessons through small group instruction.
  • Encouraging a dynamic relationship with other students through inquiry and discussion.
  • Class play project allows students to build creative and presentation skills, contributing to writing a script about a chosen topic, and presenting to the school.
  • Spanish classes are offered weekly to expose students to diverse cultures as well as introduce them to the fundamentals of the language.
  • Learning takes place in many locations including the library, urban farm, "going outs", and field trips around the city.
  • Additional learning includes fine arts, urban farming, yoga, swimming, dance, cultural events, as well as a camping trip.

Lower Elementary (6-9) FAQs

Upper Elementary

9–12 years old by September 1st

Full Day Program
8:40am – 3:25pm

Class Size
30 Students

Student to Teacher Ratio:
1:15

At the Upper Elementary (9–12) level hands-on, project-based learning is a critical part of the classroom as fundamental skills continue to solidify. Students in this stage move from concrete representation to abstract thinking, starting to bring order to various disconnected facts and increasingly able to think hypothetically. Technology is integrated into the classroom experience as students explore new tools of research, discovery, and expression.

  • Work journals allow students to set personal goals.
  • Long-term projects, such as the Cosmic autobiographical project, refine organizational and writing skills.
  • Spanish lessons expose students to diverse cultures as well as build vocabulary, grammar, speaking, reading and writing in a foreign language.
  • Curricular music instruction with a weekly class, participation in our band program, private music instruction and fine arts electives.
  • Learning experiences outside the classroom include NNM’s urban farm and Nature’s Classroom Institute.

Upper Elementary (9-12) FAQs