Progressive School To Add 6th Grade: Fast-Growing School Will Span Preschool to Middle School

by John Lynch

Redwood Cooperative School, the area’s fastest-growing school, is expanding its reach by adding sixth grade for the coming academic year.
Started in 2014 with all of nine students, Redwood has swelled to more than 150 students from preschool to fifth grade with up to another 12 students expected for its first sixth grade.

Following the same model used at the elementary level where it added grades to accommodate students, Redwood will add seventh and eighth grade over the next two years.
What’s the key to Redwood’s growth? “Redwood has been a remarkable experience for so many children and their families,” Director Sarah Cummins said. “Students have thrived within our model of education and we want to continue that through middle school.”
As a cooperative school, Redwood parents can perform needed tasks for the school in exchange for discounted tuition, a format that keeps tuition low compared to area schools.
Parents can assist teachers in the classroom or they can help the school by using special skills such as librarians, photographers, landscapers and electricians to name a few.

Redwood also is a progressive school. What does that mean? Cummins cited the explanation of Alfie Kohn, author and progressive education proponent:
Progressive education doesn’t lend itself to a single definition because it exists to meet the needs of every child.

Hallmarks of the Redwood way are project-based, hands-on learning with lots of time spent outdoors where children engage in free, unstructured play.
Outdoor learning and play inform the core curriculum, which is emergent. That means it evolves to fit the interests of the students.
“We align with state and national standards, and those learning targets guide our curriculum framework,” Cummins said.
“But we teach to those targets in our unique way.”
For example, when fourth and fifth graders expressed interest in the Olympics in Korea, a student-led thematic unit on countries emerged. Students picked a country and researched all aspects.
During free outdoor play, students used natural materials likes tree stumps and rocks to create stores.
Teachers took note and suggested that students assemble kiosks to address their country’s geography, currency, politics and culture.
“It was gratifying to see the students enthusiastically share their learning with the community in a way that provided value and connections for them,” Cummins said.
The new sixth grade will include environmental literacy, art, music, drama, STEM and physical education along with team-building school trips. Extra-curriculars will include chess club, academic team, robotics club and a cross-country team.
Redwood will continue its commitment to social and emotional development, which is so vital for middle school students, Cummins said.
“We are intentional about the way we help students build healthy relationships and resolve conflict,” she said.
“Teacher-guided mediation, restorative justice and kindness campaigns are regular features of our school.”
No wonder families have flocked to Redwood.

For tuition and other info, contact Redwood at info@redwoodcoop.org, (859) 273-4496 or visit www.redwoodcoop.org.