---
title: "Rooted in Learning: Resources to Choose the Right School | Family Journeys"
description: Family Journeys | Thoughtful perspectives for parents on the role of nature, creativity, and curiosity-driven learning in a child’s early development.
---

[![The Little School](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TheLittleSchool_November2023/images/ylvg7cxglcjmqol8nqsq.svg "The Little School")](https://www.thelittleschool.org/)

- [Family Portal](https://www.thelittleschool.org/family-portal)
- [Faculty Staff Portal](https://www.thelittleschool.org/faculty-staff-portal)
- [Alumni Portal](https://www.thelittleschool.org/alumni-portal)

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- [About](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about)
  
  ![Student and teacher working together at a classroom table](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TheLittleSchool_November2023/images/navigation/about-256.jpg?width=256&height=171&name=about-256.jpg) 
  
    - [Welcome from the Head](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/welcome-from-the-head)
    - [Strategic Plan](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/strategic-plan)
    - [At A Glance](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/at-a-glance)
    - [Our History](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/our-history)
    - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/mission-vision-and-values)
    - [A Commitment to Belonging](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/commitment-to-belonging)
    - [Environmental Stewardship at TLS](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/environmental-stewardship)
    - [Publications](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/publications)
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    - [Early Childhood](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/early-childhood)
    - [Kindergarten](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/kindergarten)
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    - [Middle School and Outgrowing Information](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/middle-school-info)
    - [TLS Educators' Blog](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/)
- [Community](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community)
  
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    - [Grandparents and Special Friends Day](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/gpsf)
    - [Global Cultures Celebration](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/gcc)
    - [Arts Festival](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/arts-festival)
    - [Fall Festival](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/fall-festival)
- [Admissions](https://www.thelittleschool.org/admissions)
  
  ![Three young children playing together at an outdoor sensory table](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TheLittleSchool_November2023/images/navigation/admissions-256.jpg?width=256&height=171&name=admissions-256.jpg) 
  
    - [How to Apply](https://www.thelittleschool.org/admissions/how-to-apply)
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    - [Tuition & Financial Aid](https://www.thelittleschool.org/admissions/tuition-financial-aid)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.thelittleschool.org/admissions/frequently-asked-questions)
    - [Come Learn More](https://www.thelittleschool.org/admissions/come-learn-more)
- [Giving](https://www.thelittleschool.org/giving)
  
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    - [Make A Gift](https://www.thelittleschool.org/giving/make-a-gift)
    - [Annual Fund](https://www.thelittleschool.org/giving/annual-fund)
    - [Auction](https://www.thelittleschool.org/giving/auction)
    - [Volunteer](https://www.thelittleschool.org/giving/volunteer)
- [Summer Camp](https://www.thelittleschool.org/summer-camp)

Open site navigation

Search The Little School



- [About](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about)
  
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    - [Welcome from the Head](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/welcome-from-the-head)
    - [Strategic Plan](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/strategic-plan)
    - [At A Glance](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/at-a-glance)
    - [Our History](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/our-history)
    - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/mission-vision-and-values)
    - [A Commitment to Belonging](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/commitment-to-belonging)
    - [Environmental Stewardship at TLS](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/environmental-stewardship)
    - [Publications](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/publications)
    - [Campus](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/campus)
    - [Map & Directions](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/map-directions)
    - [Employment](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/employment)
    - [Calendar](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/calendar)
- [Program](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program)
  
  Show Program submenu 
  
  
  
    - [Early Childhood](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/early-childhood)
    - [Kindergarten](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/kindergarten)
    - [1st and 2nd Grade](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/1st-and-2nd-grade)
    - [3rd Grade](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/3rd-grade)
    - [4th and 5th Grade](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/4th-and-5th-grade)
    - [Specialists](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/specialists)
    - [After School Experiences](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/after-school-experiences)
    - [Student Support Team](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/student-support-team)
    - [Middle School and Outgrowing Information](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/middle-school-info)
    - [TLS Educators' Blog](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/)
- [Community](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community)
  
  Show Community submenu 
  
  
  
    - [Students](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/students)
    - [Families](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/families)
    - [Faculty and Staff](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/faculty-and-staff)
    - [Board of Trustees](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/board-of-trustees)
    - [Alumni](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/alumni)
    - [Grandparents and Special Friends Day](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/gpsf)
    - [Global Cultures Celebration](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/gcc)
    - [Arts Festival](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/arts-festival)
    - [Fall Festival](https://www.thelittleschool.org/community/fall-festival)
- [Admissions](https://www.thelittleschool.org/admissions)
  
  Show Admissions submenu 
  
  
  
    - [How to Apply](https://www.thelittleschool.org/admissions/how-to-apply)
    - [Tours & Admissions Events](https://www.thelittleschool.org/admissions/important-dates)
    - [Tuition & Financial Aid](https://www.thelittleschool.org/admissions/tuition-financial-aid)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.thelittleschool.org/admissions/frequently-asked-questions)
    - [Come Learn More](https://www.thelittleschool.org/admissions/come-learn-more)
- [Giving](https://www.thelittleschool.org/giving)
  
  Show Giving submenu 
  
  
  
    - [Make A Gift](https://www.thelittleschool.org/giving/make-a-gift)
    - [Annual Fund](https://www.thelittleschool.org/giving/annual-fund)
    - [Auction](https://www.thelittleschool.org/giving/auction)
    - [Volunteer](https://www.thelittleschool.org/giving/volunteer)
- [Summer Camp](https://www.thelittleschool.org/summer-camp)

- [Family Portal](https://www.thelittleschool.org/family-portal)
- [Faculty Staff Portal](https://www.thelittleschool.org/faculty-staff-portal)
- [Alumni Portal](https://www.thelittleschool.org/alumni-portal)

## Blog topics

- [Learning in Action](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/tag/learning-in-action)
- [Progressive Education Insights](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/tag/progressive-education-insights)
- [Cultivating Curiosity & Creativity](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/tag/cultivating-curiosity-creativity)
- [Family Journeys](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/tag/family-journeys)

1. [Home](https://www.thelittleschool.org/)
2. [Blog](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/)
3. Rooted in Learning

# Rooted in Learning

[![ ](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Literacy-1.jpg?width=780&height=585&name=Literacy-1.jpg)](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/the-little-school-community)

[Beyond the Classroom: How The Little School Builds a Village for Families](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/the-little-school-community)

By The Little School  Published Jul 15, 2026, 11:30:00 AM

- [Family Journeys](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/tag/family-journeys)

 Choosing the right school for your child is about more than finding the right classroom. You want to know that you’re choosing the right community for your family as well.Early school years are a...

[![Community Engagement at The Little School](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/4-5x400_0.jpg?width=780&height=585&name=4-5x400_0.jpg)](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/community-engagement-private-elementary-school)

[Community Engagement at The Little School](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/community-engagement-private-elementary-school)

By The Little School  Published Feb 6, 2026, 10:00:00 AM

- [Family Journeys](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/tag/family-journeys)

 When families begin exploring private elementary schools, one question often sits just beneath the surface: Will my child and our family truly belong here?

Rooted in Learning is a resource for families who believe that education should be as dynamic as their child’s curiosity. Designed for parents and educators exploring independent schools, our blog offers thoughtful perspectives on the role of nature, creativity, and curiosity-driven learning in a child’s early development. Whether you’re researching preschool and elementary school options, considering a school transition, or simply looking for ways to understand your child’s learning experience, our blog offers expert perspectives and actionable insights. Rooted in The Little School’s vision of fostering sustainability, justice, and joy, our blog helps you explore the benefits of blended indoor/outdoor education, social-emotional growth tied to intellectual growth, and teaching that inspires a mindset of lifelong learning—so you can confidently choose the right environment where your child can thrive.

![TLS staff](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TheLittleSchool_November2023/images/TLS-staff-21-22.jpg?width=512&name=TLS-staff-21-22.jpg "TLS staff")

[![Dots](https://blog.thelittleschool.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TheLittleSchool_November2023/images/yrqoof9coikhyd8lzthz.svg "Dots")](https://www.thelittleschool.org/)

The Little School cultivates authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity and expanding sense of self, belonging and possibility.

 

The Little School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or family composition in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, hiring or any other school-administered programs.  

- <https://www.instagram.com/thelittleschoolbellevue/>
- <https://www.facebook.com/TheLittleSchoolBellevue/>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-little-school/>
- <https://soundcloud.com/the-little-school>

## Contact

The Little School   
2812 116th Ave NE  
Bellevue, WA 98004

T: 425-827-8708  
E: [info@thelittleschool.org](mailto:info@thelittleschool.org)

[TLS MERCH STORE](https://shop.thelittleschool.org/)

## Resources

- [Employment](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/employment)
- [Directions](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/map-directions)
- [Faculty Directory](https://www.thelittleschool.org/faculty-staff-directory)
- [Calendar](https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/calendar)
- [TLS Weather Station](https://www.pwsweather.com/station/pws/TLSWEATHERSTATION)
- [TLS Educators' Blog](https://www.thelittleschool.org/program/tls-educators-blog)

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