Here at Sunflower, we are inspired by a variety of educational philosophies and combine them to suit each child individualy. There is no one-size-fits-all. 

Montessori

The Montessori philosophy views children as naturally eager to learn and seeks to provide an environment where children can follow their interests and build independence. We provide a simple and beautiful environment where children can explore and follow their interests. This model also utilizes mixed-age classrooms and involvement of young children in real life skills (like cooking and cleaning), two practices that we include here at SLC. Elementary and middle grade students are presented lessons and then explore the concepts, choosing what to focus on and how and where to work (indoors or outdoors, at a table or on the floor, independently or in a group). 

Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason's methods emphasize literature, nature, the arts, and short bursts of lessons to keep students engaged. The adult spreads a feast of ideas for children, exposing them to a wide variety of subjects and ideas. Mason coordinated literature and the arts with the history curriculum to immerse students in the time period they were studying. Finally, Mason emphasized tiem outdoors as crucial for the development of chidlren, physically and intellectually. 

Values-Based Education

If you’ve spent time around kids, you know they are always asking, “WHY?” Values-based education answers that. All of the learning that we do here moves us towards our values - Kindness & Compassion, Justice, Environmental Stewardship, Knowledge. Learn more about our values here.