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.
The need for imagination, a sense for truth, and a feeling of responsibility; these are the very nerve of education.
- Rudolf Steiner
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.
The Curriculum
In the first eight grades of school, children encounter the main branches of human knowledge. During that time, they also form their sense of self and their relationship toward others and the world around them. In short, they lay the foundation for their future striving and development. It is the aim of our pedagogy to make their foundation resilient and broad.
The children participate in choral and instrumental music, express themselves through drama and a variety of other artistic media, practice hands-on skills such as knitting, gardening, and woodworking, and enjoy physical education in addition to solid academic subjects such as English, history, geography, mathematics, and the sciences.
The Class Teacher
Children learn best in the context of a trusting relationship with their teacher. When children enter Grade 1 at The Garden School, they meet the person, who ideally, will teach them the core curriculum for the next several years. This continuity lends itself to the development of meaningful rather than arbitrary authority. The “looping” model allows the Class Teacher to develop a strong understanding of each student’s unique learning style, strengths, and challenges. Over time, the Class Teacher builds meaningful connections with families, ultimately contributing to a more stable and supportive learning environment.
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