The Applefarm has its own approach. It rests on three pillars and one promise, and a few commitments we hold firmly.
Our approach is built on well-researched, proven teaching methods from schools around the world.
Explicit, evidence-based teaching in reading, writing and math, so every child reads fluently and reasons mathematically.
Reading is taught explicitly and systematically from kindergarten, using well-researched methods. Math moves from real objects to pictures to symbols, so children understand numbers before they memorize procedures. Every child gets small-group time with a teacher, every day.
Multi-week expeditions built on real questions, ending in work children are proud to show a real audience.
Three or four times a year, each class takes on an expedition: a driving question, fieldwork, visiting experts, drafts and critique, and a finished product shown to a real audience — a field guide, an exhibit, a performance. Teachers design and scaffold it; children do the thinking.
Children explore the real world — forest, garden, fieldwork and free play — where natural wonders meet the daily curriculum and drive curiosity and creativity.
Children spend at least 90 minutes outside daily: forest, garden, fieldwork and free play. Each child returns to the same sit spot in the woods all year, noticing what changes. Real tools, a working garden and kitchen, and weather treated as part of the curriculum.
Children leave believing they can make things better. Everything at the school builds toward one thing: a child who sees a problem — a muddy path, a story that needs telling, a creek bank that's washing away — and believes they can do something about it. They get there by making real things, revising them until they're good, and showing them to people who matter.
Time at home belongs to families, reading together and play.
We don't grade, rank or test children in the classroom. Teachers document growth in portfolios and written learning stories instead.
Children use pencils, paint, saws and books. Teachers use technology for planning only.
Every day, in every weather, as part of learning — not a reward for it.
Rigor lives in the work, not in a score. Every major piece goes through drafts, kind and specific critique, comparison to examples of excellent work, and a public showing. Children learn that good work takes several tries, and that they can do it.
A building shaped like a monitor barn, with one front door, a double-height indoor commons that every classroom opens onto, and outdoor areas graded by age — from an enclosed kindergarten garden to wilder ground for the oldest children.
Every Applefarm teacher makes five commitments to each child.
Every child is physically and emotionally safe, and known by name, strengths and story.
We protect wonder and build the courage to try, share unfinished work, and make it better.
Play is serious work. We design days children want to be part of.
Every child learns to read fluently, reason mathematically, and do work they’re proud of.
We share what we see, listen to what families know, and keep the door open.
Free, and commits you to nothing. It takes under a minute.