Because students aren't required to sit in a classroom all day, some may fear that our days lack structure. However, we do have our own very important routines. 

 

EACH MORNING 

Students come into school and set their intentions for the day. They think about what organized classes and activities they want to participate in, and what projects they want to work on individually. Teachers are on hand to guide and encourage them if they need it. 

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FIRST MORNING OF THE WEEK 

On the first day of the week, the whole school meets for a "Set the Week" meeting. We talk about what special activities are being offered that week. This can also be a time to discuss any issues that effect some or all of the students, such as voting on a rule about how to use the art supplies. Other days, we review the daily schedule, 

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MORNING CIRCLE

Each morning, we'll have traditional classroom circle activities, such as calendar time, weather station, and rhyming games. This is geared for the preschool through 2nd grade crowd, although older students are certainly welcome to participate or observe. 

 

ALL DAY LONG

Students are able to participate in structured classes taught by teachers or volunteers. They can also work on their own projects and activities. Some of these activities may consist of playing. It is important to remember that, while playing, students are learning important skills about communication and problem solving. Their play can also lead them to new interests and larger pursuits. For instance, students who love to play with Legos may decide to organize a Lego club, put on a gallery of their Lego creations, or find a a way to fundraise to buy more Legos. 

 

LUNCH TIME 

Unlike at traditional schools, here students are allowed to eat their lunch or snack whenever they are hungry. They are encouraged to listen to their bodies and take care of their needs. However, at around noon, staff will begin reminding students of the time and encouraging them to think about stopping for lunch. 

 

 

CLEAN UP

Students are expected to clean up their own materials and projects, and also choose a chore to do to help take care of the space. 

 

 

CLOSING CIRCLE

Students share the best parts of the day and what they learned today. 

 

 

LAST AFTERNOON OF THE WEEK (usually Friday) 

About an hour is reserved for students to work on sharing what they've accomplished during the week. They might write in a journal, make a video, display art work, etc. We can post these on our school website for all to enjoy. We encourage the students to take pride in their accomplishments, and sharing what they've learned is an important part of that process. 

 

 

WHENEVER NEEDED

Whenever students are facing a problem that they have not been successful in solving... for instance, a dispute with another student or a staff member... they can call an all-school meeting. This is a meeting where everyone gets together. One student or staff member is chosen to lead the meeting. The person who called the meeting can present their problem. The person leading the meeting can call on others to add their own information or ideas. The goal is for the group to come up with a solution that is satisfactory to everyone. Because we don't want to interrupt everyone's learning time on a daily basis, students are asked to use school meetings sparingly, and attempt to solve the problem on their own or with help from staff members first.