Beginning & Lower School (Preschool-5th Grade)

3rd grader seated at table smiling and 3rd grade teacher kye ginger looking down and smiling while reviewing student writing
5th grade teacher zach bloom chatting with seated students at round table
students seated in pairs in large square cubbies reviewing and editing writing assignment
Head of Beginning and Lower School and Beginning/Lower School Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning opening entrance to Lower School at start of school day
four preschoolers seated and placing hands above head during circle time
4th grade class at Ekone Ranch petting three brown horses during spring 2023
4th grade students cheering in front of The Barn during traditional oat cake roll

Here, we honor childhood. Students are given the time and space to be young, while developing the social, emotional, and strong academic foundation to become lifelong learners. Our teachers are experts at attending to every child’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development while harnessing the power of curiosity.

As a private elementary school in Portland, Oregon for students in preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-5, we offer an experiential, inquiry-based curriculum. This means students can explore the power of their questions and develop the skills and confidence to uncover the answers, sparking a joyful relationship to learning.

Students learn to listen to others, appreciate different perspectives, and work together to solve problems. We place an emphasis on understanding the lived experiences of others and acting with kindness. While becoming strong community members, students establish an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the world.

The curriculum includes not only reading, writing, math, and social studies, but also modern languages, the arts, technology, and sciences, which are taught by specialty teachers. This means students are learning social studies, sciences, and music, alongside languages, visual arts, and woodshop.

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Curriculum Overview

Foundations for lifelong learning

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Experiential Learning

Hands-on active participation

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The Outdoors

Learning through natural spaces

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Belonging for Learning

Equity, inclusion, and belonging help students feel valued and supported

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Community Engagement

Empowered to make change

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Experience Our Beginning & Lower School in Action

BLS Tinkering Studio

Math & Science

Wonder Week & Experiential Days