Explorers spend the morning doing challenging work as leaders in their multi-age classrooms, and meet every day from 12:45-2:15p in the Mariposa classroom to work together as a group under the guidance of experienced early childhood teachers. Teachers follow an emergent curriculum model that includes early reading, writing, and math. The more homogenous age group promotes whole group work, increased focus and attention, and develops strong social emotional skills, facilitating a smoother transition into Kindergarten. Explorers also participate in civic engagement and exploratory learning through play, as they start to perceive themselves as belonging to a larger community.

Themes are designed by teachers following students’ interests and are woven into their daily curriculum. Students actively participate in learning how to listen to each other’s ideas, support each other’s thinking and work together to produce a desired outcome. Leadership opportunities occur frequently throughout the year. Explorers often present civic engagement projects to classmates in their multi-age classrooms and act as role models for younger students on campus.