A Day at Primer

While each grade level has its own schedule, every Primer student experiences a balance of academic instruction, independent learning, collaboration, and hands-on projects. As students grow, they take on more responsibility for their learning while continuing to build strong foundations in literacy, math, and critical thinking.

Kindergarten Through 2nd Grade

In the early elementary years, the focus is on building the skills and confidence that support lifelong learning. Students move through a variety of engaging activities throughout the day, including reading, writing, handwriting, math, and hands-on exploration.

Small-group instruction allows educators to meet students where they are, providing individualized support while helping every child continue making progress. Students also spend time practicing skills independently and working with classmates in age-appropriate learning activities.

Each day includes Pursuits, where students explore new ideas through projects, creativity, and discovery. Students end the day with a Closing Circle to reflect on what they learned, celebrate accomplishments, and strengthen their classroom community.

Grades 3 Through 5

As students move into upper elementary, they begin taking greater ownership of their learning while continuing to strengthen their academic skills.

Reading, writing, and math instruction become more in-depth, with opportunities for discussion, problem-solving, and independent practice. Dedicated learning time allows students to work at their own pace while educators provide guidance and support as needed.

Afternoons are often spent in Pursuits, where students connect what they are learning across subjects through collaborative, project-based work. Opening and Closing Circles help students set goals, build community, and reflect on their progress throughout the day.

Grades 6 Through 8

Middle school students are encouraged to become increasingly independent and self-directed learners. They engage with more complex texts, mathematical concepts, discussions, and collaborative projects while learning to manage their responsibilities and track their own progress.

Pursuits continue to be an important part of the school day, giving students opportunities to research, design, solve problems, and create. These experiences help students strengthen communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills while preparing them for high school and beyond.

Learning Beyond Traditional Subjects

No matter their grade level, every student participates in Pursuits, Primer's signature project-based learning program. These interdisciplinary experiences bring together science, social studies, literacy, math, technology, civic education, and the arts around real-world questions and challenges.

Students might investigate a scientific phenomenon, explore a historical event, design a solution to a community problem, or create an original presentation or product. Along the way, they build creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills while discovering how classroom learning connects to the world around them.

At every stage, our goal is the same. We want students to build a strong academic foundation, grow in confidence, and develop the independence they will carry with them throughout their education.