At Eastern Ridge, we do things a little differently — and we are proud of that! Our approach is rooted in nature, play, and community.
To help you determine if our school is a good fit for your family, here are some key aspects of our philosophy and daily life to consider:
Our Approach to Learning
We take a child-led, hands-on approach to academics. Instead of worksheets, standardized lessons, and themed or prescribed curricula, we emphasize “emergent curriculum.” In other words, our curriculum emerges from children’s interests and builds on their innate sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.
Our teachers weave in math, science, and literacy through creative projects and play that meet the children where they are. We prioritize and foster social-emotional development and a love of the learning process over early mastery of specific skills.
Does a play-based, child-led, non-traditional, and non-pressuring approach to academics align with your family’s values?
Messy Exploration & Outdoor Gear
We’re a nature-based school, which means we spend much of our day outdoors. Children often get dirty, muddy, and wet as they explore, play, and learn. This might translate to acquiring new outdoor gear, extra laundry, and separate “school clothes.”
We will provide gear lists with links to recommendations, and our close-knit community loves sharing outgrown gear to help each other out.
Would you embrace bringing home a happy (and sometimes muddy) child at the end of the day and investing in outdoor gear to support their time outdoors?
Animals & Outdoor Wildlife
Children at Eastern Ridge observe wildlife, including insects, reptiles, and birds. We teach respect, caution, and appreciation for all living creatures. Wonder-filled moments fill every day. Encounters with spiders, bees, frogs, worms, and snakes are part of being in nature.
Are you comfortable supporting your child in learning about and responsibly engaging with local wildlife?
Independence & Healthy Risk-taking
We encourage children to build confidence through independence, such as carrying their own gear, dressing for the outdoors, and many other activities that build self-reliance.
We also encourage climbing, balancing, and navigating in nature in ways that develop children’s sensory-motor systems and build confidence and competence.
Scrapes and stumbles are part of learning, and we support children in assessing and managing risk in age-appropriate ways.
Does this approach to independence and risk-taking resonate with your parenting philosophy?
Screen Time & Media Exposure
Our community tends to be mindful of screen time, as we’ve found that less exposure leads to richer imaginative play and stronger social connections. Our children’s screen time is more limited than the country’s average.
While we don’t set rules for home life, we do work to maintain a school environment that prioritizes creativity, cooperation, and kindness.
Are you open to decreasing screen time habits to support your child’s experience at school?
Food & Nutrition
We believe in nourishing our children with whole, nutrient-dense food to fuel healthy, developing minds and bodies. This includes an omnivorous diet including animal and vegetable proteins, whole grains, and local and organic produce to the greatest extent possible.
All our meals, snacks, and food served at events are minimally processed and free of added sugar. Parents are responsible for reviewing the menu and supplementing for children with dietary restrictions.
Our lunch program is sourced through the restaurant Flower Child, and morning and afternoon snacks are sent from home. During summer camp, parents must also send a packed lunch daily.
Are you comfortable with our healthy food policy at school and school events?
Discipline & Guidance
We embrace positive discipline and balance children’s independence with clear boundaries and compassionate connection. We offer free parenting workshops to share tools and strategies for fostering emotional resilience and respectful communication.
Are you open to learning about and using an approach that aligns with ours?
Community Involvement
Eastern Ridge is more than a school — it’s a community. Families play an active role through committee work, volunteer days, parenting workshops, and school events. This participation helps us create a connected, thriving environment for our children.
Is your family able and excited to engage in our school community?
At Eastern Ridge, we celebrate curiosity, adventure, and community. If this sounds like a place where your child — and your family — would thrive, we’d love to welcome you!