Our Philosophy in Action: Daily Life at The Little School
Parents often wonder, "What will a typical day look like for my child?" At The Little School, each day is designed with purpose—balancing structure and spontaneity to create a joyful, engaging, and supportive environment where children thrive. This approach is grounded in our core philosophy, which prioritizes curiosity, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging.
By weaving these principles into every aspect of daily life, we create a community where children feel empowered to explore their interests, build meaningful connections, and grow both academically and emotionally. Here’s a closer look at how our philosophy shapes daily life and makes it a place where children love to learn and grow.
The Little School’s Philosophy
Our philosophy isn’t just about academics; it’s about nurturing the whole child. Through thematic learning, outdoor exploration, and collaboration, each day is designed to inspire discovery and meaningful connections. We believe education is most impactful when it reflects the needs of the child and the values of the community, fostering a lifelong love of learning and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the classroom.
At The Little School, education is a dynamic journey driven by curiosity and creativity. Instead of rigid schedules, our flexible approach adapts to students’ individual needs while staying true to our core principles. This balance creates an environment that is both predictable and rich with opportunities for choice and exploration.
How Do Children Spend Their Day at The Little School?
A Grounded Start Each Morning
At The Little School, each day begins with a warm welcome during the morning meeting. During this daily ritual, students greet one another, share their thoughts, and set intentions for the day. As Regan Wensnahan, Director of Enrollment Management, explains “The morning meeting is about grounding the day, building connections, and orienting students.”
This intentional start helps create a sense of stability and belonging, setting the tone for a day that might not necessarily look like the one before. By beginning with shared moments of connection, students are better prepared to engage with their peers and immerse themselves in new meaningful learning experiences everyday.
Thematic Learning in Action
Thematic learning is the cornerstone of The Little School’s educational approach. Throughout the day, students participate in theme-based projects that integrate academic subjects to create meaningful and engaging experiences. This method not only inspires critical thinking and collaboration but also helps students connect their learning to real-world applications in a way that feels more exciting.
Wensnahan shares one example of how this comes to life. “Our first and second graders just finished their farm-to-market unit, where they visited a farm, created their own market, and worked in teams to build their stands. Some sold art pieces, some sold towels, others apples.”
Through projects like these, students develop teamwork skills while making choices that reflect their creativity and interests. This process builds confidence and a deeper understanding of the concepts they explore, as they see the real-world impact of their efforts. Along the way, they also gain essential skills in problem-solving, project management, and collaboration.
Outdoor Play and Exploration
Outdoor learning and play are central to life at The Little School. It offers students the opportunity to engage with the natural world while supporting their physical and emotional well-being. “We really believe in being outdoors,” Wensnahan adds. “Kids often go outside two to three times a day for long periods of time. But this constantly changes depending on what the kids are working on.”
As a result, the school’s outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to grow with students. Younger children might explore age-appropriate play areas, while older students enjoy access to shared spaces like gardens and wooded sections. These ever-evolving environments reflect the school’s commitment to fostering curiosity and creativity in nature throughout a child’s educational journey.
Outdoor learning is equally dynamic. Kindergarten students are encouraged to study and observe local wildlife like squirrels and birds on campus to connect classroom studies with the natural world. This integration of outdoor exploration ensures that students not only deepen their understanding of academic subjects but also develop a sense of wonder and connection to the world around them.
Movement and Active Learning
Movement is woven into every part of the day. “Movement is part of the trifecta of intellectual, social-emotional, and physical work,” Wensnahan says. “It’s about getting their brain and body pumping, which allows better engagement.”
From transitions between activities to lessons that incorporate active participation, movement is seamlessly integrated into the day. Outdoor exploration, group games, and active learning experiences ensure that students stay physically engaged while building focus and collaboration skills.
The benefits of physical activity extend beyond the classroom. Regular movement supports cognitive growth, helping students process and retain new information, while also fostering emotional and social development.
Lunch and Social Connection
Lunchtime at The Little School is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity for students to connect, unwind, and recharge in a supportive and communal setting. With unhurried lunches, children have the time to enjoy their food, share stories with friends, and reflect on the day’s activities.
This time also reinforces the school’s commitment to fostering relationships and building a strong sense of community. Whether students are laughing over shared snacks or engaging in conversations about their morning discoveries, lunchtime helps children feel deeply rooted within their school environment.
How Does The Little School Nurture Curiosity and Collaboration?
At The Little School, curiosity drives learning. "We cultivate curiosity-driven learning,” Wensnahan adds. “It’s about noticing, connecting, wondering, applying, and learning.” This philosophy invites students to see their questions as valuable starting points for exploration and discovery that can stay with them for life.
Students play a vital role in this process. By empowering children to pursue their interests, The Little School helps them develop confidence and ownership over their education. This not only deepens intellectual engagement but also builds a strong foundation for critical thinking and creative problem-solving in the future.
Collaboration is seamlessly integrated into daily activities as students work together on group projects. For instance, students may be asked to design and build models of local animal habitats by combining both science and their artistic creativity. This hands-on project requires teamwork as students share ideas, delegate tasks, and combine their efforts to complete the models.
By prioritizing collaboration, The Little School creates an environment where every child can confidently contribute to their community while building essential social and academic skills. This approach ensures that each day is enriching, purposeful, and grounded in a strong sense of belonging.
Why Daily Life at The Little School Stands Out
The Little School offers more than just an education—it creates a community where children thrive and parents feel deeply connected to their child’s learning. For many families, the daily life of a student is often overshadowed by routine, which can leave parents unaware of what their children are truly experiencing.
At The Little School, however, this dynamic shifts. Parents consistently share how the school’s unique approach fosters curiosity, belonging, and hands-on learning in ways that not only transform their child’s experience at school but also enhance their interactions at home.
“Our philosophy of integrating curiosity, belonging, and hands-on learning really changes how kids interact,” Wensnahan concludes. “But not just at school, at home too.” This impact is evident in the reflections of parents. For example, one parent shared with Wensnahan that their child would come home exhausted and quiet before attending The Little School. “But now, he’s eager to share what he’s done, and he’s even kinder to his brother."
If you’re looking for a school where your child can truly thrive, we invite you to explore The Little School. Discover how our philosophy and approach to daily life create a supportive, dynamic, and enriching educational experience—for both children and their families.
