Frequently Asked Questions

What is child-centered curriculum?

In Child-centered MP3, children grow to be independent learners, challenged to explore their own interests throughout the curriculum. Academic standards are maintained while nurturing each child's love of learning, curiosity, and natural inquisitiveness. Watch our video for more information about child-centered curriculum!

What does MP3 stand for?

Through the years, this program has grown and changed. When it was named "MP3" in the early 2000s, it meant Multi-age Parent Participation Program (MPPP). Parents truly are the partners in educating these fabulous kids. Parent involvement in each child's education is valued and encouraged. That can mean anything from reading at home as a family to volunteering in the classroom or anything in between. Now, the hallmark of the program is less about formal parent participation and more about being child-centered; nurturing joyful learning in a caring classroom.

I can’t volunteer in the classroom. What is the expectation for parent involvement?

There is no volunteer requirement at Child-centered MP3. You are free to be involved as much or as little as you would like. (Really! We mean it!)

Parents in MP3 truly do have varying levels of participation. Some people volunteer in the classroom every week while others occasionally teach a mini-class to a small group of students on a Friday afternoon. Some parents come by on a weekend or off-hours to work in the class garden. Others do at-home projects to support the teachers.

Parents are welcome to be partners in their child's education but there is not an expectation for parents to participate in a particular way.

How long will my kindergartener be at school?

MP3 is a half-day kindergartener program.

How much homework is assigned in MP3?

None. The world is your homework. Read with your child every night.

Does my child have to start as a kindergartener?

Absolutely not!

Your child can benefit from the Child-centered MP3 program at any stage in their kindergarten through third Grade journey. Many kids who don’t respond well to the high pressure environment of today's traditional classroom connect and thrive in Child-centered MP3. The program accepts students at all grade levels (kindergarten through third) depending on room in the class.

What is the financial commitment?

$0. Child-centered MP3 is available tuition-free as a public school option. There are no expectations for donations or financial support. Once per year, students participate in a school-wide Jog-a-thon that raises funds for our class play and other enrichment activities but there are no fundraising requirements for any student attending Rolling Hills.

What are mini-classes?

Throughout the year, MP3 students enjoy the opportunity to learn in small groups (6-10 students) from parents or third grade students. Some past mini-class topics have included Watercolors, Chess, Soccer, Engineering, Music, Woodworking, Seasonal Science Projects, and many more. Students love to have the chance to explore their interests in these supportive settings.

What else do MP3 students get to participate in?

Learning in Child-centered MP3 happens beyond the classroom. Each year, MP3 students put on a musical and in the process gain leadership skills, self-confidence, cooperation, and have a chance to support and encourage their peers. The class garden also provides children with authentic learning experiences that make learning meaningful and relevant. Students also learn through class elections, field trips, author’s chair, reader’s theater, literature projects, nature studies, big/little buddies, first-day friends, recycling, running a class business, philanthropy, engineering, design projects, cooking, author studies, book making and much more

How did Child-centered MP3 at Rolling Hills get started?

In the 1980s, this innovative multi-age approach to elementary education was brought to Rolling Hills as a K-3 class. Throughout the years, hundreds of children have had a chance to experience the joy, freedom, and growth that this program has to offer despite the ever-increasing demands on school children. In the early 2000s, the K-3 changed its name to MP3 and is now known as Child-centered MP3 at Rolling Hills. Today, some of those early K-3 students from the 1980s have become parents themselves and are thrilled to have the option to give their own kids the childhood they cherished. Over the decades, this program has created a multi-generational community of lovers of learning.