Rooted in place, guided by stewardship, and inspired by curiosity, in our K - 5 program, we explore, learn, and grow together.
Elementary school hours are 8am - 3:30pm with 12:1 student-teacher ratios.
Our Philosophy
The Tidepool Prep educational philosophy centers on deep, meaningful learning through authentic experiences, inquiry, and interdisciplinary connections. Students engage with challenging academic content while developing critical thinking, creativity, stewardship, and a strong connection to the world around them. Learning is designed to be hands-on, standards-based, and developmentally appropriate, fostering both mastery of core skills and a lifelong joy of discovery.
This curriculum is grounded in the belief that students learn best when they actively engage with meaningful questions, real-world experiences, and integrated projects. Learning extends beyond the classroom through outdoor education, artistic expression, and cross-curricular exploration. Students are challenged to think deeply, reason carefully, and communicate effectively while developing a sense of responsibility for their communities and the natural world. The program balances academic rigor with curiosity, creativity, and personal growth.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor learning is an intentional and integrated part of the curriculum. Experiences are directly connected to classroom learning and help students develop environmental stewardship, observation skills, and a strong sense of place. Students engage with the natural world as both a classroom and a source of inquiry.
English Language Arts
The English Language Arts program emphasizes high cognitive demand and intellectual engagement. Students read deeply, think critically, and write powerfully. Through rich texts and inquiry-based learning, students cultivate analytical thinking, effective communication, and a genuine joy of discovery.
Mathematics
Mathematics instruction is hands-on and conceptually driven. Students develop real understanding through exploration, reasoning, and problem-solving rather than rote memorization. The goal is lasting mastery, enabling students to think mathematically, explain their reasoning, and apply concepts confidently in new situations.
Music, Arts, and Drama
The arts are integrated throughout the curriculum and viewed as essential to student growth and learning. Through hands-on experiences in visual arts, music, and drama, students develop creativity, self-expression, collaboration, and critical thinking. Cross-curricular connections help students see the arts as a transformative way to understand and engage with the world.
Curriculum Overview
Project-Based Learning
The curriculum is organized around project-based units that connect multiple subject areas and provide authentic contexts for learning. Projects are standards-based, aligned to grade-level expectations, and designed to expand students' understanding of the world. Through interdisciplinary experiences, students apply knowledge, solve problems, and make meaningful connections across disciplines.