Programs
We know that children develop along unique timelines. Social, emotional, and academic instruction is delivered at the individual pace of each child, building on strengths and readiness.
Children learn fundamental and foundational concepts through authentic, real-life learning experiences, followed by thoughtfully-led instruction to expand on concepts, develop efficiency and the transfer of skills.
Root.
We create an environment where children can be deeply rooted in their community, their environment, and their sense of purpose.
Reach.
We offer opportunities for children to reach out and connect to each other, new ideas, relationships, and their community.
Rise.
We support our students in their growth and progress as they rise up into their futures as the fullest versions of themselves.
Elementary Programs
Kindergarten - 6th Grade
Building structure and routine into a child's day can alleviate stress and anxiety by creating a sense of stability. Our daily schedules allow for predictability while also being responsive to a child's interests and needs. Half of the day is devoted to academic learning in core areas, such as STEM and literacy. The other half of the day provides ample time for students to develop their skills in authentic learning experiences incorporating nature, the arts, and action learning, both on and off the Tamarack campus.
Student choice and learning styles are incorporated throughout the day to optimize student passions and motivation. Classrooms are multi-age and flexible according to student needs.
Our classrooms are multi-age, allowing for students to move between roles of mentor and mentee when working with students from different age groups. Our classrooms are loosely structured as kindergarten/first grade, second/third grade, and fourth/fifth/sixth grade. Students receive the instruction they need when they are ready, allowing them the opportunities to work on skills to mastery rather than by a pre-determined, standardized schedule.
Academic Curriculum
We utilize Iowa Common Core Standards as benchmarks for student progress, and monitor Priority Standards for mastery. We use many resources for instruction, choosing materials that best fit our students. Click into our core academic curriculums to learn more.
Core Reading/Language Arts Curriculum
Structured Literacy Curriculum
Core Math Curriculum
Approach to Social & Emotional Learning
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00-3:00
Tuition
We believe in offering an accessible eduction and work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to pursue an environment that is the best fit to meet the needs of of child. Click to learn more about our tuition structure.
Before and After School Care
The school day runs from 8:00 am-3:00 pm
Morning Extended Hours: 7:00-8:00 am-$60/month
Afternoon Extended Hours: 3:00-5:30 pm-$195 month
Preschool Program
Ages 3 yrs - 5 yrs
There is no more perfect place for early learners to get their start than in nature. Daily adventures to our local forests, prairies, and creeks are at the center of our curriculum. Hours of each day are spent exploring through guided, immersive nature experiences and self-directed play.
Our young learners are led by curiosity and self-interest to develop healthy connections to their peers, their community, and their environment.
Play-based and developmentally appropriate child-led experiences balance out the day back at school. Invitations to pre-academic disciplines are curated based on student wonder, readiness, and interests.
Tuition
$960/month for full day preschool
Before and After School Care
The school day runs from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Morning: 7:00-8:00 a.m. - $60 per month
Afternoons: 3:00-5:30 p.m. - $195 per month
Summer Camps
Ages 5 yrs - 12 yrs
Join us for a summer filled with fun, friendship, and adventure. Instead of a week dedicated to each theme, we've added each theme to every week! Every week is a dynamic blend of the best themes of the summer: sports, wildlife, art, music, cooking, and more, taking campers to the best nature and community spots!
We will start off each morning at Lower City Park (as weather permits), enjoy time playing, learning new games, and connecting with new friends. We then load our buses to discover the best of Johnson County and surrounding areas.
Drop-Off/Pick-Up: Lower City Park, unless due to weather we need shelter, in which case we will meet at Tamarack Discovery School (14 S. Linn Street, Iowa City)
Tuition: $325/week - tuition includes all entrance and material fees associated with discovery experiences
What to Bring Each Day: water bottle, sunscreen, bug repellant, snacks x2, lunch, and an extra change of clothes
Hours: 8:00am - 3:00pm
Dates:
Week 1: June 10 - June 14
Week 2: June 17 - June 21
Week 3 - June 24 - June 28
Week 4 - July 8 - July 12
Week 5 - July 15 - July 19
Week 6 - July 22 - July 26
