Where Curiosity Leads the Way

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Education Overview

At Emerson, strong academics are built through meaningful, engaging learning experiences. Students develop deep literacy, mathematical thinking, and scientific reasoning through hands-on projects that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and problem-solving. This balanced approach supports high academic achievement while preparing students to think critically, communicate clearly, and apply their learning beyond the classroom.

Project Based Learning

Learning at The Emerson School is grounded in the Project Approach, a research-based, student-centered framework that engages children in in-depth studies of meaningful, real-world topics. Projects are shaped by students’ questions and interests and guided by teachers through a thoughtful, three-phase process of inquiry, investigation, and reflection.

Through project work, students conduct hands-on research in science and social studies while naturally integrating reading, writing, math, and problem-solving skills. Learning regularly extends beyond the classroom as students explore local businesses, ride public transportation, and visit museums, libraries, and cultural centers. These experiences help children connect academic learning to real life and build confidence navigating their community.

Instruction is intentional and responsive, with opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and differentiated support. By integrating subjects and emphasizing deep understanding over memorization, the Project Approach fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a strong sense of belonging.

Our goal is to develop engaged learners who collaborate thoughtfully, apply their learning in meaningful ways, and feel at home in the world around them.

For more information see http://www.projectapproach.org

Positive Discipline

At Emerson, we use Positive Discipline, a research-based approach developed by Dr. Jane Nelsen, to help children grow into responsible, respectful, and resourceful members of their community. This model emphasizes mutually respectful relationships, teaching social and life skills in a way that is both kind and firm.

Positive Discipline is grounded in the belief that children who feel connected to their school and community and whose voices are valued are less likely to engage in misbehavior. Rather than relying on punishment or permissiveness, our approach teaches children the skills they need to thrive—problem-solving, cooperation, communication, and contributing meaningfully to their classrooms and beyond.

Effective Positive Discipline:

Helps children feel a sense of belonging and significance
Is mutually respectful and encouraging, balancing kindness and firmness
Promotes long-term growth, guiding children to reflect on their choices and learn from them
Builds essential social and life skills, including respect, empathy, and problem-solving

Class meetings and daily interactions provide opportunities for students to practice these skills, focusing on solutions instead of punishment and using encouragement instead of praise. Children learn to understand the reasons behind their behavior, communicate effectively, and navigate challenges thoughtfully—preparing them to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mathematics

At Emerson, math is hands-on, real-world, and conceptually focused. Students explore meaningful problems, make connections across subjects, share their thinking, and develop mastery at their own pace—all with the goal of fostering lifelong math learners.

Our K–5 program combines top-tier resources, including Mindset Mathematics, the San Francisco Unified School District curriculum, and additional targeted materials. Teachers also have flexibility to choose supplementary resources that meet Oregon standards and best-practice approaches, ensuring learning is engaging, challenging, and supportive for every student.

Literacy

At Emerson, literacy is taught through a balanced, research-based approach that develops reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students engage in guided reading, writing, phonics, word study, shared reading, and daily read-alouds. Instruction is both explicit and differentiated, with small group or one-on-one support tailored to each child’s needs, helping students build fluency, comprehension, and expression.

Our K–3 classrooms use the Fundations curriculum for systematic phonics instruction, teaching letter names and sounds, word families, sight words, syllabication, rhyming, and encoding skills. Directed reading groups provide targeted skill development, while book clubs in upper grades allow students to discuss texts, practice comprehension strategies, and develop a love of reading. Writing instruction follows the 6+ Writing Traits, giving students structured opportunities to plan, draft, revise, and publish in a variety of modes.

Literacy learning at Emerson goes beyond traditional lessons. Students apply reading and writing skills across subjects—from documenting findings in math and science projects to writing reflections during project work, participating in class discussions, and reading in music, art, and cultural experiences. This integration ensures that literacy is a living skill, connected to students’ thinking, problem-solving, and daily learning.

Our goal is to foster confident, lifelong readers and writers who can think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with the world around them.

Service Based Learning

Service learning is woven into every project at The Emerson School, giving students meaningful opportunities to apply their learning in ways that support their community. As students explore academic topics, they are encouraged to consider how their knowledge can make a positive, real-world difference.

Through project work, students engage in developmentally appropriate service experiences connected to their studies—such as supporting recycling efforts at a local preschool or collecting books to help build a community school library. These experiences help children see themselves as capable contributors and thoughtful citizens.

In addition to project-based service, the entire school comes together twice each year for all-school service days. Whether planting trees, supporting the Oregon Food Bank, creating handmade items for community members, or sharing music with residents in care facilities, students experience the power of collective action and empathy.

Through service learning, Emerson students develop responsibility, compassion, and a strong sense of connection to the world around them—learning that even small actions can make a meaningful impact.