Building a Foundation

Beginning in kindergarten, our young learners embark on a journey of self-discovery, focusing on understanding themselves, their identity, and their place within their family and culture. As they progress to first grade, their horizons expand as they explore the concept of families, starting with their own and gradually learning about the diverse structures of families within our society.

By the time students reach second grade, they broaden their perspective even further, delving into the workings of larger communities and towns. They gain insights into how communities collaborate to make decisions and engage in civil life together. In third grade, their view expands once more to encompass the United States as a whole. This includes studying individual states and exploring the rich history and culture of Native American tribes and nations, both historically and in contemporary contexts.

When our students enter fourth grade, they take a deeper dive into the history of our home state, Washington. This comprehensive exploration includes gaining a deeper understanding of the native inhabitants of our region and the complex history of American colonization in the Pacific Northwest.

This foundational knowledge in lower school lays the groundwork for the advanced studies and global perspective that our students will encounter as they progress through middle school, where they will explore American history, geography, and global citizenship in greater depth.