Building Curiosity, Confidence, and Connection
As children enter the grades, their natural curiosity becomes the spark for deeper learning. Guided by dedicated class and specialty teachers, they explore academic subjects through story, movement, and hands-on work. Time in the classroom blends with farm days and hike days, building skills, friendships, and a growing sense of belonging, laying a strong foundation for the challenges and discoveries ahead.
Elementary School (Lower Grades)
Grades 1-5 at Golden Bridges School
With curiosity, connection, and a deep respect for the unfolding of each child, we offer a learning environment where students feel challenged, known, and inspired to become their fullest selves, academically, socially, and creatively.
LEARNING ROOTED IN STORY, MOVEMENT, AND NATURE
Academic subjects come alive through storytelling, drawing, song, and hands-on projects. Lessons unfold with warmth and rhythm, engaging the students' developmental interests and inviting them to discover their love for learning.
A CIRCLE OF TRUSTED TEACHERS
Each class is guided by a dedicated Class Teacher who follows them through the years building trust and a deep connection. Students are also supported by a steady team of specialty teachers in handwork, music, Spanish, farm, and more. This circle of caring adults enables the children to be seen genuinely, and offers continuity, care, and a rich, well-rounded learning journey.
SCHOOL IN THE NATURAL WORLD
Our youngest students begin their school journey in a calm, home-like setting. Each day follows a gentle rhythm that helps children feel grounded and secure.
Each class spends one full day a week at our school farm, Hawk Creek Farm, and a consistent hike day in McLaren Park. The farm and forest serve as extensions of the classroom—where academics, environmental stewardship, and seasonal rhythms are lived, not just taught.
THE ART OF MAIN LESSON
Each morning begins with an immersive main lesson block—interdisciplinary, creative, and developmentally aligned. Math, language arts, history, and science are taught through stories, movement, drawing, and practical work that engages the whole child.
ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONS, CREATIVELY BUILT
From reading to cursive writing, addition to fractions, botany to California history, students are challenged through active, joyful learning, free of technology and screens. The arts, music, and movement are woven through every subject—not as enrichment, but as essential tools for understanding.
AN INSPIRED PATH FORWARD
Our approach honors the natural stages of childhood and offers a thoughtfully unfolding curriculum, responsive to our students and the world they’re growing into. We foster curiosity, confidence, and compassion, preparing children for middle school and beyond with clarity and care.
A parent’s reflection
“What continues to amaze me is how my child is truly seen here, not just as a student, but as a whole person. The way the lessons are taught, the time in the woods and on the farm, the relationships with teachers, it's all helping her become confident, thoughtful, and grounded.” — Golden Bridges Parent
