Beyond the Classroom
Our curriculum is rooted in the British Columbia Ministry of Education's standards, emphasizing a competency-based, concept-driven approach. We integrate literacy, numeracy, science, and the arts into project-based inquiries, allowing students to explore topics that resonate with their interests and the natural world around them.
A hallmark of our program is the commitment to outdoor learning. Students spend over half of each school day immersed in nature, engaging in hands-on activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship.
Our educators serve as co-learners and guides, facilitating inquiry and supporting students in making connections between their experiences and the broader curriculum. By embracing the natural environment as a dynamic classroom, we cultivate engaged, thoughtful learners prepared to navigate and contribute to the world around them.
Our Core Curriculum
Literacy
Our literacy program goes beyond reading and writing by teaching students how to communicate effectively in various ways. Through activities like storytelling, journaling, and reading groups, students build strong literacy foundations. We use the structured, phonics-based approach of UFLI and Orton Gillingham to teach foundational reading skills and vocabulary.
Science
Nature is our classroom. With daily outdoor sessions lasting 3-4 hours, students experience science firsthand by observing the natural processes around them. Our diverse outdoor spaces—forest, stream, and urban areas—offer endless opportunities for exploration. Students develop a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship by discussing sustainability and conservation through guided inquiries and hands-on experiments.
Math
Math at Saplings is practical, interactive, and relevant. By incorporating mathematical concepts into project work and daily activities, students see how math applies to the world around them. From graphing and measurement to problem-solving with Singapore Math’s concrete-to-abstract approach, our program helps students build confidence in their math skills.