This cohort enjoys a developmentally appropriate, experiential learning environment designed to nurture the social, emotional, and academic needs of our younger students. This cohort is perfect for kindergarten or younger 1st grade students who are seeking a more play-based approach, while still learning the core standards in the 'mandated' subjects. It is also a great option for students opting for a year of "Transitional Kindergarten" (summer birthday/bonus year). Academics will be fluidly blended into exciting and relevant unit studies that offer an array of hands-on, project-based learning experiences designed to stimulate creativity and cooperative learning while integrating the core subjects of language arts, math, science, social studies, art, and more! We use more formal programs for reading and math to ensure students have a solid foundation in these skills. We use a multi-sensory Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching beginning reading and writing to ensure students are ready to jump into reading in 1st grade and Math Made Fun for math concepts. Students will enjoy a variety activities each day, including morning meeting, crafts, art, stories, music and movement, author and illustrator studies, writing and book-making, science experiments, sensory activities, and so much more! Families in all pods are welcome to join our "2nd Friday Family Field Trips" where we venture offsite to local venues such as a museum, nature center, play space, farm, etc. Please see the calendar for specific dates.