How Our Students Learn
The Blue Oak School curriculum is thoughtfully developed by our faculty and grounded in research-based practices, guided by our seven core principles of teaching and learning.
At Blue Oak School, we believe students learn best through hands-on experiences and thoughtful reflection. These seven guiding principles shape how we engage with learners and create meaningful, joyful learning every day:
Our Seven Core Principles
1. Children “learn by doing.”
At Blue Oak, students don’t just study concepts—they bring them to life. They experiment, design, problem-solve, create original stories, compose music, and conduct their own research.
2. Curriculum is child-centered and developmentally appropriate.
Learning at Blue Oak is rooted in meaningful, relevant experiences that spark each child’s natural motivation to explore and grow.
3. The curriculum builds from a foundation.
Lessons build on what students already know, meeting them in their zone of proximal development to extend learning and deepen understanding.
4. True understanding, rather than memorization, is stressed.
When students truly understand, memorization follows—and they can confidently apply their knowledge in new situations.
5. The process of learning is emphasized.
When the focus is on learning, there’s no need to cheat or avoid challenges. Risk-taking—and even failure—is embraced as part of growth, what Madeline Levine calls “the blessings of the skinned knee.”
6. The curriculum is integrated.
Blue Oak faculty integrate disciplines to deepen understanding and connect learning to real-world experiences—through literature, music, art, science, math, and physical education.
7. Inquiry is at the heart of the curriculum.
At Blue Oak, learning begins with meaningful questions—because as John Dewey said, “We only learn when confronted with a problem.”