Learning and Curriculum
Blue Oak School’s Lower School hums with student curiosity and creativity. Engaged learners who love what they are doing, taught by bright, caring and committed teachers is a combination that leads to high levels of student achievement. Students are taught in thematic units and encouraged by the faculty to help design their own projects and the guidelines by which those projects will be assessed. This hands-on, active engagement leads to a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
The
Lower School curriculum is designed by the faculty with the developmental needs of the children in mind. Standardized tests and grades, which focus the child on measures rather than the content to be learned, are avoided. The process of learning, thinking, problem solving and inquiry are stressed. This approach promotes deeper understanding of the material covered and increases student motivation and interest.
Community and Diversity
An important element in a Blue Oak Lower School education is the learning that takes place in and about the community. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively and to always consider the needs and perspectives of others. For this to be optimally effective, a diverse student body comprised of an array of experiences and interests is imperative. The School enrolls students from a variety of backgrounds and this mix in the classroom prepares students for the increasingly complex, interconnected and multicultural world they will face as adults. Students in this caring community setting feel heard, honored and appreciated, freeing them up to face the challenges inherent in the learning that lies before them.