explorers elementary

explorers elementary overview:

Our multi-age elementary classroom is an affiliate of the Acton Academy. As an Acton affiliate, we believe:

↟ each child has a gift that can change the world in a profound way.

↟ in a closely connected family of lifelong learners.

↟ in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.

↟ in economic, political, and religious freedom.

Your child will be a part of our multi-age cohort of up to 15 elementary learners. Programming will focus on:

↟ Challenging, self-paced math, literacy, and writing skills

↟ Project-based group learning opportunities in science, the arts, and social studies

↟ Outdoor learning (5-7 hours per day in Fall/Spring, 2 hours in Winter)

↟ Leadership + Character Development

↟ Meaningful community field trips once a month

↟ Opportunities for project presentation and public speaking

explorers schedule overview

(subject to change with the seasons and as we learn + grow)

7:30 - 8:30am Early Bird Drop-Off

8:30 - 8:45am Regular Day Drop-Off

8:45 - 9:15am Spark : Morning Gathering

9:15 - 10:15am Core Skills : Math + Language Arts

10:15-11am Outdoor Choice

11am - 12pm Core Skills : Math + Language Arts

12 - 12:25pm Lunch (brought from home)

12:25 - 12:45pm Group Read-Aloud

12:45 - 1:30pm Outdoor Choice

1:30-2pm Specials: Spanish/Art/Music/Life Skills

2 - 3pm M: Science

T: Civilizations (History)

W: Nature Study and Exploration

Th: Social Studies/Specialty Lessons

3 - 3:30pm Ember : Afternoon Clean-Up and Send-Off

3:30pm Regular Day Pick-Up

3:30 - 5:30pm Night Owls (Free Choice)

5:30pm               Final Pick Up Time

Curriculums we use include: Math with Confidence, Lexia Literacy, NOEO Science, Story of the World, Waseca Reading, + more.

FAQs

Are you a homeschool?

No. We are a small, secular private school providing individualized, nature-based learning for ages 3-10.

How do students learn in a mixed-age cohort?

We strongly believe in the power of mixed-age learning. Each student in our cohort is placed on their own level for math, writing and literacy. While we are a nature-based school, we understand the value and need for technology and utilize adaptive education programs including Lexia Literacy, Symphony Math and Khan Academy. Students engage in two 20 minute blocks of tech time during daily core skills, one for math and one for literacy. This allows them to move forward at their own pace, soaring quickly through material they know and providing support for material they do not. Guides monitor progress and provide screen-free 1:1 and small group learning opportunities for each student in all core skills areas.

Science, History, Nature Studies, Spanish, and the arts are taught in the afternoon through project-based, multi-grade curriculums that challenge each learner.

Are students tested?

Students age 7+ are required by the State of MN to complete standardized testing each spring. We utilize the IOWA test with all learners. Test scores are only shared with school staff and each learner’s individual family and are not submitted to the state.

We believe in mastery learning, and learners show mastery of all material before moving on, but they are NOT tested in a traditional manner outside of the yearly requirement. Learners show work completed in a given subject area to demonstrate mastery.

what will my learner do when they age out?

Our Explorers program currently serves learners ages 6-10 (or Grades 1-4 in a traditional school system). Our program will expand by one grade level each year beginning in the Fall of 2025 to ensure our oldest founding learners can remain with us until graduation. We anticipate serving learners through graduation by the year 2032.

Can my homeschool child attend?

Homeschooled learners are welcome to attend our Forest Fridays program. Explorers enrolled Monday-Thursday must attend all 4 days, complete all academic requirements at Roots and Wings Forest School and are registered as private school students with their home district at age 7. We do NOT offer part-time options for our Explorers cohort.