Bears (Grades 3–5)

Led by Ms. Rachel—one of the founding educators of Roots Community School—the Bears classroom empowers students through a highly immersive, project-based learning experience. These years are full of transformation as learners strengthen foundational skills and apply them in more complex, real-world ways.

What We Offer

  • A nurturing, multi-age learning environment that builds on the solid early learning base of the primary years while emphasizing increased student voice and autonomy

  • A project-based curriculum that drives learning across core subjects, allowing students to explore in-depth topics through long-form investigations

  • A strong focus on critical thinking, research, writing, deeper mathematical reasoning and academic independence

  • Outdoor play and movement built into the daily rhythm

  • Weekly art and PE classes with dedicated instructors, along with science and enrichment blocks

  • Incredible experiential learning opportunities—from frequent field trips to a biennial Stehekin adventure

  • Opportunities for leadership through mentoring younger students and sharing learning with the school community

  • Integration into school-wide events like the Christmas concert, winter market, student showcase, and school play. Bears students also participate in the annual all-school campout

Our Approach

Bears students are guided to take increasing ownership of their learning through meaningful, interdisciplinary projects that span weeks or months. Each major project culminates in a student-led showcase—where learners present their work to the community, demonstrating not just what they know, but how they think and solve problems.

Throughout the year, students explore complex themes through research, hands-on work, collaboration, and reflection. With teacher support, they learn to ask big questions, follow curiosity, and develop deep understanding across subjects.

Students also build critical life skills such as time management, teamwork, and self-advocacy—all while growing in confidence and empathy through daily community-building practices.

This place is currently at full capacity; please reach out info@rootscommunityschool.com to learn more or to join the waitlist.

Age & Schedule

  • For children ages 3 and 4 (must be fully potty trained)

  • Flexible scheduling options: enroll anywhere from 2 to 5 days per week

  • Monday: 9:45 AM–1:45 PM

  • Tuesday–Friday: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM

Tuition

Tuition is based on the number of days enrolled per week. A yearly supply fee of $200 per student serves as your non-refundable deposit. Tuition may be paid in full by September 1, 2025, or divided into 9 monthly payments (September–May).

See Tuition Details

Experience Our Campus

There’s no better way to understand what makes our school special than seeing it for yourself. Walk our halls, meet our teachers, and feel the energy of our students in action. We’d love to welcome you and show you what a day in our community is like.

Schedule a visiit