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Lower Primary Homebase: Kindergarten + 1st Grade 

Our Lower Primary program is a multiage learning environment. This homebase is composed of Kindergarteners and First Graders. Students come together for community related moments such as Morning Meeting, goal setting, Project-Based Learning, and enrichment classes. Students are differentiated and leveled for Core Skills based on readiness. Students are guided by two Co-Teachers.

Kindergarten - The Raccoons 
Kindergarten students at Painted Oak Nature School enjoy a stream walk in the forest

  • 4 years 9 months - 6 years old

  • half day OR full day schedule

  • 15-18 children, 2 guiding adults

  • 50-75% of time spent outdoors

  • focus on balancing play and academics

  • introduction to Core Skills using Fundations and Illustrative Mathematics

  • provide daily school weather report

  • enrichments such as visual arts, performing arts, soccer, social-emotional learning, textiles, and Spanish immersion

Kindergarten students at Painted Oak Nature School build literary skills
Kindergarten students at Painted Oak Nature School keep warm by the fire in their outdoor classroom
Kindergarten students at Painted Oak Nature School work on literary skills.
Tree stumps in an outdoor classroom allow students to develop strength, confidence, balance, and other gross motor skills.
First Grade - The Foxes 
Primary school students at Painted Oak Nature School gather in their Outdoor Classroom
Primary school students at Painted Oak Nature School engage in scientific inquiry
Primary school students at Painted Oak Nature School play four-square
Primary school students at Painted Oak Nature School paint with watercolors and get creative

  • 6 - 7 years old

  • full day schedule or homeschool option

  • 15-18 children, 2 guiding adults

  • focus on building independence, stamina, and mindfulness

  • Fundations multisensory approach to literacy instruction with Guided Reading and The Power of Pictures art-based approach to writing instruction

  • Illustrative Mathematics program rooted in strategical inquiry

  • leveled small group instruction

  • collaborative projects completed with support to answer driving question

  • end-of-day journaling and classroom chores

Primary school students at Painted Oak Nature School have fun with friends
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