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The BCS Classroom:
A Multi-Age Learning Environment
For over 35 years, BCS has successfully implemented a multi-age, non-graded teaching and learning model. Teachers and parents at BCS recognize and support the following concepts:
- Individuals learn at different rates and with different styles and interests.
- Learning is enhanced by positive interactions with people and the environment.
- The optimum environment for children's learning supports risk-taking, enhances self-esteem, and encourages decision-making.
- Effective education must include the social, emotional and intellectual development of each child.
- Compassionate communication and clear boundaries enhance self-esteem and model healthy social behavior.
- Students learn best when they are highly involved in their own learning process, ultimately learning by teaching themselves.
Preschool
The preschool curriculum follows a developmentally appropriate daily routine of circle time, art, story, singing and outdoor play. Cooking, gardening and other simple activities are incorporated seasonally. Children experience being part of a group and are helped to communicate their feelings and needs effectively.
Our class follows the Reggio Emilia approach to preschool: we are child centered, and the curriculum emerges organically from the interests of the children. The emphasis is on meeting the needs of each child for healthy development within the context of the group, with special attention given to the development of language and social skills.
Preschool children at BCS may attend 2-5 mornings or afternoons per week. There is also an extended day program which preschoolers may attend. Class size is small, and parents are encouraged to participate as time permits.
Preschool teachers: Michael Marsh and Laura Smith
Pre-K, Kindergarten and Early Elementary
This class emphasizes hands-on, experiential education with exposure to reading, writing, math and science. Within the daily structure, children engage with these subjects according to their needs, interests and level of skill development.
Kindergarten students at BCS may attend alternating days, mornings, afternoons, or full time (9am-3pm daily). Pre-K children are usually about four and a half years old in September. They typically have some interest in reading, writing and math, or have had several years of preschool and are just ready to move on. Children who turn five in the fall also are identified as pre-kindergartners, and are placed in the multi-age classroom with four-and-a-half year olds to seven year olds.
There is a daily pick-up and drop-off at Happy Valley Elementary school for part-time kindergarteners.
Kindergarten/early elementary class teacher: Heidi Alford
Upper Elementary and Middle School
Upper elementary and middle school students are generally placed in multi-age classrooms with an age range of about three years. Mornings are structured with reading, writing, and math. Spanish is taught three days a week. Monday and Friday afternoons students are offered a choice of classes, led by teachers, parents and students. The "upstairs" classes combine activities at times and do other activities separately, according to the interest and skill level of students.
As they mature, children become more in charge of their own learning, choosing their own projects and participating in curriculum planning for incorporation of personal interests. The multi-age, flexible classrooms facilitate individual learning and allow students to progress at their own pace, encouraging the development of social, communication and cooperative skills.
Middle school students, in particular, appreciate the cooperative environment and lack of peer pressure at BCS.
Upper elementary teacher: Lissa Stanton
Middle school teacher: Jesse Stanton
