Academics & Learning

At Primer, we believe every student learns best when they are challenged at the right level, supported by caring educators, and given opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful ways.

Our academic program combines mastery-based learning, small-group instruction, independent practice, and hands-on projects. Students build strong foundations in literacy and math by mastering key concepts before moving on to new material. This approach helps students develop confidence, close learning gaps, and make steady progress over time.

Throughout the day, students learn through a combination of direct instruction, guided practice, collaboration, and independent work. Primer Leaders monitor progress closely and provide support, feedback, and encouragement as students work toward their goals.

Learning extends beyond traditional subjects through Pursuits, our interdisciplinary projects that connect science, social studies, civic education, technology, and the arts to real-world challenges and interests.

By combining rigorous academics with student ownership and real-world application, Primer helps students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive both in school and beyond.

At Primer, students learn in multi-age grade bands: K–2, 3–5, and 6–8. These groupings create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and community while allowing educators to meet students where they are academically and developmentally.

Students progress through academic content based on mastery. Rather than moving on simply because a unit has ended, students build a strong understanding of key concepts before advancing to more challenging material. This approach helps students develop confidence, close learning gaps, and continue growing at an appropriate pace.

Primer Leaders regularly review student progress, assessment results, and classroom performance to ensure each student is receiving the right level of support and challenge. Families can track academic progress through PrimerOS and partner with educators to celebrate growth throughout the year.

As students demonstrate readiness academically, socially, and emotionally, they transition to the next grade band and take on new opportunities for independence, leadership, and deeper learning.

Each day at Primer is thoughtfully designed to balance academic growth, hands-on learning, and community connection.

Students begin the day by arriving on campus and gathering with their cohort for an Opening Circle. This time helps build relationships, establish routines, and set goals for the day ahead.

Throughout the morning, students focus on literacy and math. Depending on their grade level, this may include small-group instruction, independent practice, virtual courses taught by Content Teachers, and targeted support from their Primer Leader. Students work at the level that is right for them, building strong foundations and mastering key concepts before moving forward.

Students also have opportunities throughout the day to practice essential skills independently, receive individualized feedback, and build confidence as learners.

After lunch and recess, the focus shifts to Pursuits, Primer's signature interdisciplinary learning experiences. Through hands-on projects, students explore topics connected to science, social studies, civic education, technology, and the arts while applying the literacy and math skills they have developed throughout the day.

The day concludes with a Closing Circle, where students reflect on their learning, celebrate accomplishments, and prepare for the next day.

From arrival to dismissal, students experience a learning environment that combines academic rigor, meaningful relationships, and real-world application.

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Technology plays an important role at Primer, helping students learn, families stay informed, and educators provide personalized support. We use technology intentionally to make learning more engaging, transparent, and effective.

Students use a variety of digital tools to build skills, track their progress, and access learning experiences that meet them where they are. Technology also supports collaboration, creativity, and real-world problem-solving across subjects.

For families, the Primer App provide a central place to stay connected to your child's school experience. Through the Primer App, families can:

• View announcements, updates, and photos in Pulse
• Message their child's Primer Leader and Campus Leader
• Track academic progress and assessment results
• Access schedules and attendance information
• Manage billing information
• Update contacts, enrollment details, and important documents

By combining innovative technology with strong educator support, Primer helps students take ownership of their learning while keeping families informed every step of the way.

Pursuits are Primer’s signature approach to learning because they are built around what interests and motivates students most. A Pursuit is an interdisciplinary learning experience that combines multiple subjects through engaging, real-world projects. Pursuits serve as the primary way students explore science, social studies, and civic education at Primer while also integrating literacy, math, the arts, and technology. All content is aligned with national and state standards.

Examples of past Pursuits include exploring the solar system through Keeping Up with the Planets, where students combined astronomy and storytelling, and studying World War II propaganda and game design through How to Win Friends & Influence Nations.

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Watch Elise’s video on Pursuits

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People

• Primer Leader – The educator who leads a cohort of students.
• Guide – The educator who assists a Primer Leader within a cohort.
• Content Teacher – The educator who teaches math or literacy courses through Prism.
• Campus Leader – The educator responsible for overseeing multiple cohorts on a campus.
• Fellow – A Primer Leader-in-training participating in the Primer Fellowship program.

Structure

• School – A classroom community led by a Primer Leader.
• Campus – A collection of classrooms located within the same building.
• Grade Band – A grouping of grade levels within a cohort, typically K–2, 3–5, or 6–8.

Schedule

• Session – One of several multi-week instructional periods during the school year.
• Block – A designated period of time within the school day.
• Section – A recurring class or activity scheduled during a specific Block. Sections may run for a single Session or the entire school year.

Programs

• Pursuit – A hands-on project that helps students turn their interests and curiosity into meaningful work.
• Habits of Work – A daily score from 1–4 that reflects a student's preparation, punctuality, and engagement during a Section.

Technology

• PrimerOS – The platform families use to view schedules, track progress, communicate with Primer Leaders, and manage school information.
• Primer App – The mobile version of PrimerOS, available on iOS and Android devices.

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Enrolling at Primer is a simple, four-step process:

1. Meet with Admissions
   Schedule and attend a 30-minute Parent Meeting with a member of our Admissions team.
2. Complete Your Application
   Submit your application, which includes:
   • A short Learning Profile about your student.
   • An income verification step to determine scholarship eligibility.
     • Alabama and Texas: Upload your most recent 1040 tax return.
     • Arizona and Florida: Provide your household income range.
3. Complete Enrollment
   Pay the $20 non-refundable enrollment fee and sign the Enrollment Agreement to secure your student's seat.
4. You're Enrolled!
   Once your enrollment is complete, you'll receive next steps to help your family prepare for the first day at Primer.

The Parent Meeting is a 30-minute Zoom or phone conversation with a Primer Admissions representative and is the first formal step in the admissions process.

During the meeting, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Learn more about Primer and ask questions.
• Share information about your child and your family's goals.
• Understand what to expect throughout the admissions process.

After the meeting, your Admissions representative will provide the next steps and invite your family to complete the application.