We start each morning by greeting one another, sharing a little about our lives and introducing or revisiting a focus for learning that day.
“I like that we share about our weekends” (George, student)
Montessori’s tactile, individualized approach to learning makes it the perfect fit for our math and reading program. Students move through each concept at their own pace using the materials while teachers meet them where they are through individual and small group instruction.
“We love being part of Alexandria Learning Cooperative! The teachers create a safe, nurturing space with meaningful projects and open communication, and I always feel welcomed and involved. ALC is more than a co-op—it’s a true community that loves and supports our kids.” (Bri, parent)
Unstructured play time (mostly outside!) allows students to develop physically, socially and emotionally. They have a chance to run, move, organize their own games and enjoy the natural world.
"Co-op is all the best parts of school that you feel like your kids might miss out on with homeschooling. It's the special classes like art and music. It's the picture days and holiday performances. The class parties (sense of community) and the field trips, the book clubs. By participating in co-op I feel like I am giving my kids a well rounded education. “ (Ellie, parent)
ALC offers elective classes in art, music, Spanish and movement. Families may choose between martial arts or performing arts (ballet) for their movement instruction.
"I loved dancing as a group to the beautiful music and getting to dress up in costumes.”
(Silvia, student)
We’ve carefully crafted our own approach to science and social studies, tying concepts from both content areas into thematic units. Each unit begins with a broad concept (i.e. The World) which is gradually broken into smaller concepts (i.e. an animals relationship with its ecosystem).
“I enjoy teaching science and social studies using an interdisciplinary approach because it encourages the holistic exploration of a topic. The students become deeply engaged in learning through making connections, taking different perspectives, and thinking both critically and creatively!” (Jessie, parent and teacher)
Our community is full of real-life learning opportunities. Whether we journey to a museum or to Arcadia for a lesson in sustainable agriculture, we extend lessons beyond the classroom.
