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Our
Philosophy
At Roots Academy, we are redefining education. Learning doesn’t happen best when children are confined to desks, filling out worksheets—it happens when they are moving, questioning, building, and discovering. Our approach dismantles the walls of traditional schooling, replacing them with hands-on, project-based exploration that nurtures natural curiosity while building a strong foundation in math, reading, science, and social studies.
Whether students are investigating the science behind a butterfly’s wings, engineering a bridge from found materials, or solving real-world math problems outdoors, they engage in meaningful, experience-driven learning. With small class sizes, mixed-age collaboration, and a focus on mastery rather than memorization, we cultivate an environment where children don’t just learn—they thrive.
Our
Approach
Small Class Sizes
Our small class sizes ensure that each child receives the individual attention they need to succeed. With a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and a team of dedicated educators, we provide personalized learning paths that support every child's growth and success.
Mastery-Based Core Skills
Our day begins with a focus on mastery-based core skills in math and reading. Designed by a curriculum specialist with over 20 years of experience, this program integrates cutting-edge learning techniques in a way that is engaging, meaningful, and personalized to each student’s needs.
Rather than fitting children into a standardized mold, as is common in traditional education, we meet them where they are—honoring their unique learning pace and strengths. We also empower students to take ownership of their learning, fostering independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of discovery.
Project Based, Nature Infused, Child Led
Students have access to a beautiful outdoor space directly connected to the school, as well as a nature trail leading to a forest learning area, maintined by Roots Academy for educational use. Whether they are investigating ecosystems, building structures, or designing experiments, the natural world becomes an extension of the classroom.
While we do incorporate traditional subjects like math, reading, and science into our project based experiences, we also dedicate a large portion of our learning to child led exploration and learning. Some of the many possibilities we may explore include:
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Creating a community volunteer program
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Candle making
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Writing and acting in a play
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Exploring farm-to-table practices
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Bee keeping
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Building robots, and more
This blended approach to our day helps students develop not only academic skills but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and a strong connection to their community and environment.
Multi-Age Learning
Inspired by the Montessori method, multi-age learning is a research-backed approach that groups students of different ages together, creating a natural and dynamic learning environment. Studies show that peer learning, mentorship, and individualized pacing foster deeper understanding, greater academic growth, and stronger social-emotional skills compared to traditional single-age classrooms.
Key benefits of multi-age learning include:
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Enhanced Peer Learning – Younger students learn from older peers, while older students reinforce their knowledge through mentoring, boosting leadership and communication skills.
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Personalized Education – Freed from rigid grade levels, students progress at their own pace, allowing for deeper mastery of concepts without artificial constraints.
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Real-World Readiness – Multi-age settings reflect real-world interactions, where people of different ages collaborate, problem-solve, and build relationships.
Research from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Montessori studies highlights that multi-age classrooms increase student engagement, foster independence, and improve long-term academic achievement. By embracing this approach, we empower students to thrive in a diverse, ever-changing world.
