Programs
Preschool
At Roots Community School, our preschool program is designed to nurture each child’s natural sense of wonder, creativity, and independence. We believe that early learning should be joyful, play-based, and rooted in strong relationships.
What We Offer
A warm, caring environment that helps children feel safe, confident, and known
Play-based learning that builds foundational academic, social, and emotional skills
Daily rhythms that include storytelling, music, art, nature exploration, and movement
Two dedicated teachers in the classroom at all times
Small class sizes with individualized attention from experienced teachers
Opportunities to engage with Pre-K students during shared learning experiences led by a team of four early childhood educators
Our Approach
Our preschoolers learn through hands-on experiences and meaningful play. Whether building with blocks, exploring nature, or painting at the art table, every moment is designed to support development and curiosity.
Throughout the year, students participate in unique and enriching experiences that make learning come alive. Past highlights include:
Incubating and hatching baby chicks, and caring for them in our on-site chicken coop
Field trips that extend classroom learning into the broader community
An annual student showcase where preschoolers share their projects alongside older students
Participating in special school events such as our Christmas concert and an end-of-year celebration
We emphasize kindness, collaboration, and curiosity, creating a space where children learn not only how to think—but how to care.
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).
Pre-K
Our Pre-K program provides a dynamic and supportive bridge between preschool and kindergarten. While rooted in play and exploration, it gently introduces more structured routines, thematic learning, and school-readiness skills.
What We Offer
Two dedicated Pre-K teachers in a nurturing, engaging classroom
A warm connection to our Kindergarten program, with opportunities to build relationships and familiarity with the Kindergarten teacher throughout the year
Developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to support early literacy, numeracy, social skills, and independence—including the use of Zoo-phonics to introduce and reinforce alphabet knowledge
Shared learning experiences with our Preschool class, creating a cohesive early childhood program across four educators
Creative arts, music, movement, and outdoor learning woven into each week
Our Approach
Pre-K students at Roots are encouraged to wonder, ask questions, and explore their world through thematic studies, creative play, and teacher-guided inquiry.
Throughout the year, students participate in memorable experiences such as:
Helping hatch and care for baby chicks in our on-site chicken coop
Taking local field trips tied to classroom themes
Participating in the Roots Student Showcase, Christmas concert, and their own dedicated Pre-K graduation ceremony
Age & Schedule
Typically for 4- to 5-year-olds (must be fully potty trained)
Flexible scheduling options: enroll anywhere from 2 to 5 days per week
Monday: 10:00 AM–2:00 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).
Wolves (Kindergarten)
Our Wolves class welcomes our youngest elementary learners into a nurturing, engaging environment that blends structure and creativity. Kindergarteners also enjoy music time with their teacher, who plays guitar to support creative learning and classroom joy. At Roots, kindergarten is not just a starting point—it's a foundation for lifelong learning.
What We Offer
A dedicated kindergarten teacher who collaborates closely with Pre-K educators to create a smooth and supported transition
Multi-sensory, thematic learning experiences that spark curiosity and deepen understanding
A balance of structured routines and hands-on discovery
Foundational skill-building in literacy, numeracy, social-emotional development, and self-regulation
Ample time for play, movement, and creativity each day—including two daily outdoor recesses, weekly art classes, and EFSAP (Early Foundations for Social and Academic Preparedness)
Our Approach
The Wolves classroom is filled with energy, laughter, and purpose. We embrace that children enter kindergarten with a wide range of skills and readiness levels, and our teachers thoughtfully meet them where they are. Daily rhythms include reading and writing workshops, math games, class meetings, and time for guided and independent exploration. The start of the year includes a gradual half-day schedule to gently ease students into full-day routines.
Social-emotional growth is deeply integrated into classroom life, helping children develop confidence, empathy, and resilience. Our whole-child approach supports each student's academic, social, emotional, and creative development—honoring their unique learning journey and nurturing them as individuals within a caring community.
Experiential Highlights
Regular participation in school-wide events such as the school play, Christmas concert, winter market, and student showcase—giving Wolves students opportunities to shine, lead, and share their creativity with the broader Roots community
Owls (Grades 1–2)
The Owls classroom is where curiosity takes flight. In this multi-age learning environment, students begin to solidify foundational academic skills while continuing to grow through exploration, movement, and creativity.
What We Offer
A flexible, individualized learning environment that honors each child’s developmental stage over traditional grade levels
A strong, research-based reading curriculum supported by our teacher's deep literacy expertise
Strong thematic learning throughout the year, connecting academic subjects in meaningful, immersive ways
Inquiry-based and student-centered math curriculum that promotes positive math identities while building problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding, and a solid foundation for procedural fluency.
Weekly art classes with our dedicated art instructor
Daily movement built into their rhythm through two outdoor recesses and mindful transitions
Unforgettable field trips throughout the year—including everything from hands-on farm visits to a biennial overnight trip to Stehekin and a celebratory last day at Slidewaters
Daily closing circle for reflection, kudos, and practicing accountability through apologies
Mindful meditations after recess to help students reset, refocus, and build emotional awareness
Our Approach
Owls students are encouraged to investigate, ask questions, and dive deep into the world around them. Thematic units allow children to build knowledge that carries across disciplines—and even beyond the classroom. Whether realizing they’re playing on a simple machine at the park or making connections to a read-aloud during science, students begin to see learning as everywhere.
Reading is a major focus at this stage, and our Owls teacher, Brandy, brings her expertise and passion to help every student develop strong literacy skills. Critical thinking is encouraged through discussion, experimentation, and hands-on learning.
Our whole-child approach ensures that students not only build academic mastery but also grow emotionally, socially, and creatively.
Experiential Highlights
Thematic units woven through all subject areas
Regular field trips and outdoor learning
Participation in the school play, winter market, all-school campout, Christmas concert and student showcase
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.
Mountain Lions (Grades 6–8)
The Mountain Lions program at Roots serves grades 6–8 in a multi-age, project-based learning environment designed to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of middle school students. The 2025–2026 school year introduces a co-teaching model supported by subject specialists, along with new curriculum components in cognitive development, social-emotional learning, and health education.
What We Offer
Middle school is a critical time for developing both independence and identity. The Mountain Lions program blends academic rigor with social-emotional learning, encouraging students to think deeply, collaborate meaningfully, and stretch their capabilities.
Students engage in long-form interdisciplinary projects that are tied to real-world issues and showcase their learning in public exhibitions. These opportunities help build communication skills, confidence, and academic mastery.
With a focus on the whole child, we nurture not only strong learners, but also thoughtful citizens who are ready to thrive in high school and beyond.
Our Approach
A co-taught, interdisciplinary structure led by two core teachers with support from specialists in PE, art, health, and computer science
A rigorous project-based curriculum that encourages inquiry, ownership, and impact across subject areas
Weekly CREW sessions that build character, community, and leadership through reflection, service projects, and relationship building
Brain-based learning tools (like BrainWare Safari) that help strengthen focus, memory, and organization in fun, game-like ways
Holistic Health Sciences taught by an experienced educator covering nutrition and exercise, anatomy and physiology, emotional regulation, mental health, relationships, and digital life
Daily Independent Work Time (IWT) that gives students space to focus, set goals, and manage their workload
Strong writing instruction through programs like Daily Grams, Mentor Sentences, and project-linked writing practice
Differentiated math groups to meet each student’s learning level and provide appropriate challenge and support
A phone-free environment to help students stay present, focused, and connected to their learning and peers
Participation in beloved all-school traditions such as the Roots campout, school play, winter market, Christmas concert, student showcase, and talent show
Signature student-led projects like:
Business Project (Fall): Students design, build, and sell their own products at the Roots Winter Market
8th Grade Coffee Business: Capstone leadership project where students manage a small business and take on real-world roles
Support Roots
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, community support fuels scholarships, classroom resources, and the innovative programs that keep a Roots education accessible. Your gift—of any size—directly impacts students in the Chelan Valley.