elementary

elementary overview:

Your child will be a part of a multi-age cohort of up to 14 elementary learners. Programming will focus on:

↟ Challenging, self-paced math, literacy, and writing skills

↟ Project-based learning opportunities in science, the arts, and social studies

↟ Outdoor learning + free play (~2 hours per day)

↟ Leadership + Character Development

↟ Meaningful community field trips ~once a month

explorers: K-1st grade (ages 5-7)

trailblazers: 2nd-4th grade (ages 7-10)

We anticipate this will be the cohort split for the 2026-2027 school year. Note that as we grow, cohort divisions may be adjusted based on enrollment and growth.

Our Trailblazers cohort will extend to 5th grade in 2027 and 6th grade in 2028.

schedule sample

(subject to change with the seasons and needs of the cohort)

7:30 - 8:30am Early Bird Drop-Off

8:30 - 9am Regular Day Drop-Off + Free Play Outdoors

9 - 9:30am Spark : Morning Gathering

9:30 - 10:15am Core Skills : Math + Language Arts

10:15 - 11:00am Outdoor Free Play

11:00am - 12pm Core Skills : Math + Language Arts

12 - 12:30pm Lunch (brought from home)

12:30-1:15pm Outdoor Free Play

1:15-1:35pm Music/SEL/etc.

1:35 - 2:35pm Science/Social Studies

2:35-2:45pm Ember : Afternoon Clean-Up and Send-Off

2:45 - 3:30pm Outdoor Free Play

3 - 3:30pm Regular Day Pick-Up

3:30 - 5:00pm Night Owls (Free Choice)

5:00pm               Final Pick Up Time

Curriculums we use include: Math with Confidence, Beast Academy, Lexia Literacy, Waseca Reading, + more.

FAQs

Are you a homeschool co-op?

No. We are an independent, secular private school providing individualized, nature-based learning for ages 3-10+. We are registered as an independent non-public school through the MN Department of Education.

How do students learn in a mixed-age cohort?

We strongly believe in the power of mixed-age learning. Each student in our cohort is placed on their own level for math, writing and literacy. While we are a nature-based school, we understand the value and need for technology and utilize adaptive education programs including Lexia Literacy and Beast Academy. Students typically engage in 1-2 20 minute blocks of tech time during daily core skills for math and literacy. This allows them to move forward at their own pace, soaring quickly through material they know and providing support for material they do not. Guides monitor progress and provide screen-free 1:1 and small group learning opportunities for each student daily in all core skills areas.

Science, Social Studies, Nature Studies, Social Emotional Learning, and more are taught in the afternoon through project-based, multi-grade curriculums that challenge each learner.

Are students tested?

Students are required by the State of MN to complete standardized testing. We utilize MAP Assessments seasonally and the IOWA test in the spring with learners. Testing is provided on site by our classroom guide and is untimed. Test scores are only shared with school staff and each learner’s individual family and are not submitted to the state.

We do not administer traditional tests and quizzes outside of the assessments listed above. Learners show proficiency in content through 1:1 work with a guide before moving on to more challenging material.

what will my learner do when they age out?

In the fall of 2026 we will debut our Trailblazers cohort for learners through 4th grade. This cohort will expand to 5th grade in 2027 and 6th grade in 2028, aligning with other regional private schools. Programming beyond 6th grade will be dependent on interest.

Can my homeschool child attend?

Homeschooled learners are welcome to attend our Forest Fridays program. Elementary students enrolled Monday-Thursday must attend all 4 days, complete all academic requirements at Roots and Wings Forest School, and be registered as private school students with their home district. We do NOT offer part-time options for elementary students at this time.