Students at Alderwood Academy

About Alderwood Academy Catholic Elementary School

We inspire curiosity, creativity, and growth through respect, inclusion, and excellence

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About Us

At Alderwood Academy Elementary School, we provide a nurturing and holistic educational environment where tradition meets innovation. Our approach blends cultural appreciation, diverse learning experiences, and modern teaching methods, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching journey for every child.

Students celebrating 100th day of school at Alderwood Academy
Children in chef costumes during cooking day at Alderwood Academy

Our Philosophy

Alderwood Academy is built on the belief that education should cater to the whole child, addressing their intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed based on the principles of Maria Montessori, Veronica Sherborne, Janusz Korczak, and Celestine Freinet pedagogies. These approaches allow us to create a dynamic learning environment that fosters independence, creativity, and critical thinking.

Celebrating Culture and Heritage

At Alderwood Academy Catholic School, we take pride in celebrating Polish culture, language, and heritage within a nurturing and holistic educational environment. Our school is a place where traditions meet innovative teaching methods, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience for every child.

Students creating Valentine heart crafts celebrating culture and heritage at Alderwood Academy
Children on farm field trip corn play demonstrating holistic outdoor learning at Alderwood Academy

Holistic Educational Approach

Our holistic approach to education ensures that each child's unique needs and potential are recognized and nurtured. By integrating physical activities, artistic expression, and academic learning, we create a balanced educational experience that prepares our students for the future.

Our Mission Statements

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1. Holistic Explorations Curriculum

To nurture the whole child by fostering intellectual, emotional, and social growth through a hands-on, explorative approach that honors each child's individuality and potential.

Children exploring sensory bins in classroom demonstrating empowered learning at Alderwood Academy
2. Empowered Learning Curriculum

To create an empowering educational environment where children are encouraged to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering independence, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.

Children exploring nature and trees demonstrating child-centered discovery at Alderwood Academy
3. Child-Centered Discovery Program

To provide a child-centered learning experience that prioritizes curiosity, creativity, and personal growth, allowing each child to discover their unique path and potential.

Children enjoying fall pumpkin carving activities demonstrating freedom to learn at Alderwood Academy
4. Freedom to Learn Curriculum

To cultivate a learning atmosphere that inspires creativity and independence, where children are free to explore their interests at their own pace, pursue their passions, and engage in meaningful, self-directed learning experiences that foster self-reliance and innovation.

Child engaged in sensory letter tracing activity demonstrating integrated growth learning at Alderwood Academy
5. Integrated Growth Curriculum

To support the integrated growth of children by blending academic, social, and emotional learning, fostering well-rounded individuals prepared to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world.

Community activities at Alderwood Academy
6. Creative Autonomy Curriculum

To inspire creativity and independence by providing a flexible learning environment where children can pursue their passions, express themselves, and develop the skills necessary for self-reliance and innovation.

Children engaged in library play learning activities demonstrating innovative child agency at Alderwood Academy
7. Innovative Child Agency Program

To empower children by fostering a sense of agency and innovation, encouraging them to take an active role in their education and develop the skills and confidence to drive their own learning.

Kindergarten students engaged in phonics letter play activities demonstrating progressive learning framework at Alderwood Academy
8. Progressive Learning Framework

To advance educational practices through a progressive framework that emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and the development of each child's unique abilities and interests.

Students on goat farm visit learning empathy and care for animals at Alderwood Academy
9. Empathetic Development Curriculum

To promote empathetic development by creating a nurturing environment that values respect, understanding, and the emotional well-being of every child, preparing them to be compassionate and socially responsible individuals.

Students engaged in activity books and coloring demonstrating dynamic learning journey at Alderwood Academy
10. Dynamic Learning Journey

To embark on a dynamic learning journey that adapts to the needs and interests of each child, encouraging exploration, innovation, and a love for lifelong learning in a supportive and engaging environment.

Students engaged in Catholic church prayer demonstrating Catholic values curriculum at Alderwood Academy
11. Catholic Values Curriculum

To integrate Catholic values deeply into our educational philosophy, emphasizing the development of moral character, ethical behavior, and spiritual growth. Our curriculum aims to cultivate virtues such as kindness, forgiveness, charity, and a commitment to social justice, preparing students not only for academic success but also for meaningful participation in their communities and service to others.