Comprehensive Educational Programs

Breathing in and Breathing out

Holistic education

Our community based, multi-age classroom model emphasizes social learning through movement, nature experiences and the arts. Anthroposophical therapeutic education is integrated for all students. 1 day, 3 1/2, 4 and 5 day options are available for children ages 7 to 13.

Flexible full time, part time, morning and full day options are available for kindergarten children ages 5-6.

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Through a living curriculum, children engage in hands-on experiences that support the healthy integration of physical and spiritual development.

Movement Based Learning

Children begin their day at SunGate with movement based learning experiences that support their natural ability to be present and engaged. Outdoor and Nature Based experiences offer spontaneous opportunities to develop individual boundaries, skill and confidence. Beautiful fields and ancient trees accompany the children on our own campus, and hikes in nearby nature preserves offer encounters with pine forests, streams and animals.

Indoor movement experiences are further developed through exercises and activities that target the senses of touch, life, movement and balance

Sample Schedule

8:30 to 9:00

Morning Gathering

9:00 to 10:00
Hiking/Nature Play/Gardening

10:00 to 10:30
Spanish or Eurythmy

10:30 to 11:00
Snack and Recess

11:00 to 12:30
Main Lesson

12:30 to 1:10
Lunch and Chores

1:10 to 1:30
Rest

1:30 to 2:00
Games and Movement

2:00 to 2:30
Music or Handwork

2:30 to 3:00
Handwork or Free Play

Nourishment

Experiencing nutrition from seed to whole foods culminates in a healthy, organic family style lunch prepared each day with children. Gardening, farming, cooking and daily chores engage children in the art of nourishment and community connection to the earth.

Main Lesson

Literacy and Numeracy are developed through experiential learning and the arts. Our mixed-age first and second grade curriculum includes the rich imagery of fairy tales and fables. For our third and fourth graders, adventures in house building, farming and cooking, bring the curriculum to life as they make their home on earth. Hands on experiences at local farms facilitate self confidence and a connection to animal husbandry. Children in grades 5 to 7 journey through history from Ancient India to the Age of Discovery. A phenomenological approach to the sciences, including zoology, botany and mineralogy is offered as students develop their own identity separate from what they are able to observe. All main lessons are connected to learning in other subject areas including music, movement, drama, puppetry, spanish, painting, gardening, and cooking.

Handwork

Creating beautiful and useful items with our hands brings meaning to our creative gifts as human beings, and develops bilateral motor coordination.

Languages

Instruction in Spanish builds flexibility in thinking, social skills and cultural competence. Children develop a foundation for empathy and authentic relationship. A deep sense of the intricacies of non-verbal language is fostered through immersive experiences in Spanish.

Music

Each day begins with singing together. Music is integrated into the daily, weekly and seasonal rhythm. Children learn to play age appropriate group instruments that are chosen for their quality of sound and simplicity of playing technique. Movement to music and sound leads to the development of inner movement in listening, and musical expression. The joy of working in a group is emphasized. Large group, small group and individual music lessons are offered.

Painting

Experiences of color, form and mood are developed through watercolor painting.