LEARNING SQUADS
"Mixed-age grouping resembles family and neighborhood groupings, which throughout history have informally provided much of children's socialization and education. The intention of mixed-age groupings in early childhood settings is to increase the heterogeneity of the group so as to capitalize on the differences in experience, knowledge and abilities of the children." - Dr. Lilian Katz
Ignite Squad
Ages 4-7
Squad Focus
Ignite their love of learning.
Obtain core skills of reading, writing, and basic math
Social and Emotional growth
Physical growth through lots of play and movement
Learning Outline
Young leaders integrate their learning experiences through additional outlets for exploration and creative expression. Open-ended and collaborative building projects, imaginative play and time in nature are all part of our schedule. Emotional literacy is a key focus of our Ignite Squad. We focus on social and emotional growth and wellness as a key foundation for developing self-direction in their learning.
Discover Squad
Ages 8-11
Squad Focus
Discover their passions/interests
Self-paced academics
Skill Discovery and Development
Physical Fitness
Learning Outline
In our Discover Squad, we encourage our young people to tap into their own unique genius. Our well-balanced educational experience promotes curiosity, creativity, and the ability to ask good questions. The squad is designed to create flexible spaces for work, learning, and play. It is a tight-knit community of mixed-age children who support each other and collaborate daily. This environment fosters a culture of respect and much of the character development that occurs here.
Explore Squad
Ages 12-14
Squad Focus
Explore their Options
Self-Paced Academics
Internships/Apprenticeships
Physical Fitness
Real-World Application
Learning Outline
In our Explore Squad, we begin to let your Leader(s) put those skills learned in previous Squads to work in the real-world. We begin by evaluating with them their strengths and interests gained from their time in the Discover Squad, and start to show them how those skills can be applied in the real-world through internships and apprenticeships and taking on bigger roles and responsibilities on campus.
