Grade School - Core Program
Grade 1 to 8
Grade School: Building Strong Foundations for Lifelong Learning
Rooted in the principles of Waldorf education and the Forest School model, Rowan Tree’s grade school program offers a holistic learning environment that honours the natural rhythms and unique sensibilities of childhood. Our students follow an academic curriculum inspired by Waldorf education, in which literacy, numeracy, science, history, geography, and health are taught with attention to the developmental phases of childhood. Through nature-based, hands-on experiences—forest exploration, meaningful skill-building, music, art, storytelling, and discovery—we nurture each child’s curiosity, resilience, and joy in learning.
This approach not only supports a strong academic foundation, but also prepares students for high school and the future by cultivating creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and emotional resilience. Our goal is to ignite a lifelong love of learning and to help our students grow into confident, capable, compassionate individuals.
Why Choose our Grade School Program?
Our Grade School program cultivates curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Building on the solid foundation of the early years, students are guided through the grades with intention, hands-on experiences, and care. Here's what sets our Grade School apart:
Small class sizes that honour each learner’s individuality
Screen and phone-free learning environment
Multi-disciplinary and experiential curriculum
Meaningful outdoor experiences
Integration of music, handwork, and visual arts
A solid curriculum sets the stage for success
We follow a curriculum inspired by Waldorf education and Forest School teaching methods. We offer creative lesson plans that include:
Literacy
Numeracy
Science
Arts (including traditional handwork like knitting)
Music
French
Gardening, Tree Nursery development and care
Fostering community and celebrating diversity
And unique learning opportunities that arise within the beautiful and unique classroom environments at Rowan Tree Children’s School
A classroom where your child can grow
Our unique inquiry-based education offered in our outdoor classroom gives our students the opportunity to:
Learn through a Waldorf-inspired curriculum customized to their unique passions
Grow intellectually in a natural environment while they experience hands-on learning
Have the opportunity to be physical and move often as they have lessons
Learn in a fluid environment where they can excel
Become confident and thrive in a balanced and supported learning environment where teachers meet the students where they are
A typical day in the classroom:
Our morning main lesson block covers literacy, numeracy, history, the sciences, French, the Arts, drama, story telling, music, handwork projects such as knitting, woodworking and gardening and conservation programs.
Sample Schedule:
8:50 - Child drop off to outdoor classroom
9:00 - Opening circle
9:30 - Main lesson block
11:00 - Snack & Recess
11:35 - Subjects lessons
12:55 - Lunch & transition to outdoor learning time
3:10 - Closing circle & reflection
3:20 - Parent pick-up at outdoor classroom
Our lead teacher and assistant teacher work in collaboration with each other to create and develop a dynamic learning environment, both in the forest and in the classroom that bring meaning and relevance to learning, develops confidence and resilience in our students and acknowledges that students already have inner capacities and abilities that need to be nurtured. Our class teachers work towards building a framework that enriches and supports the students learning style. Our teachers strive to ‘light a fire’ to ensure that our students feel supported, encouraged, valued and acknowledged for each of their unique gifts. Building a sense of ‘community’ and ‘respect’ within the group dynamic is key.
The earth is firm beneath my feet,
the sun shines bright above me.
And here stand I all straight and strong,
the whole world to know and love.
Good morning, good morning,
good morning to everyone.
Good morning, good morning,
it’s a beautiful day in the sun.
Join our Grade School
Forest School Enrichment Day
When: Friday
Time: 8:50 am to 3:20 pm
Grade 1 to 8
When: Monday to Friday
Time: 8:50 am to 3:20 pm
What People Are Saying:
“It is such a blessing to be able to send our son to such an incredible space. He has been given the opportunity to learn actively outside and instilled a true love and respect for Nature.”
— Parent, Grade School
“Rowan Tree Children’s School is a community full of love, connection, encouragement and enchantment. Our children are excited to head to school each day and full of beautiful stories about their day’s adventures when we pick them up. As parents, we see our children’s needs being met with an empathetic and holistic approach. We couldn’t be happier with our experience.”
— Parent, Nature Kindergarten / Grade School
“I wish all children could have this kind of wholesome nature-based education..”
— Parent, Grade School
