what we learn

TCC's Curriculum

Joyful Learning

At The Children's Collective, we believe that learning should spark curiosity, not simply demand compliance.

Children learn best when they are actively engaged—asking questions, exploring ideas, making connections, and discovering meaning for themselves. While memorization has its place, deep understanding comes from experience. When students investigate real questions, create meaningful work, and apply their knowledge in authentic ways, learning becomes lasting.

Our curriculum is intentionally designed to move beyond passive instruction. Rather than asking students to simply absorb information, we invite them to participate in the learning process through inquiry, discussion, hands-on exploration, creativity, and reflection. In doing so, students develop not only academic knowledge but also confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning.

We believe joyful learning isn't about making everything entertaining. It is about creating learning experiences that are meaningful, challenging, and relevant. When children understand the purpose behind their work and have opportunities to explore ideas deeply, motivation comes from within rather than from rewards, grades, or fear of failure.

Our goal is not simply for students to remember information long enough to pass a test. Our goal is to nurture learners who remain curious long after they leave our classrooms.

Four Unique Learning Communities

Students are placed in learning communities based on their developmental readiness and academic needs rather than age alone. While these communities often align with traditional grade levels, placement is determined by where each child will learn and thrive best.

Discovering self, others, and the joy of learning.


Growing through teamwork, exploration, and shared ideas.

Applying learning to serve and strengthen the community.

Leading with purpose, innovation, and positive change.

Our curriculum is organized into four interconnected learning experiences. Reading provides the foundation for literacy, Humanities helps students understand people and the world around them, STEAM develops inquiry and problem-solving skills, and Studios expand opportunities to create, explore, serve, and discover new passions. Together, they create a balanced curriculum that nurtures the whole child.

Reading is the foundation of lifelong learning. Through explicit, evidence-based literacy instruction, rich literature, and individualized pathways, students build strong decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills while developing a genuine love of reading. Instruction is personalized to meet each learner where they are, ensuring every child grows into a confident, capable reader.

The Humanities curriculum helps students understand themselves, others, and the world around them through language arts, history, geography, civics, culture, and philosophy. Students read deeply, write purposefully, discuss thoughtfully, and investigate the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our communities. By connecting literature with history, culture, and current issues, students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and become informed, compassionate citizens.

Our STEAM curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics through inquiry, experimentation, and real-world problem solving. Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, students investigate meaningful questions, design solutions, build prototypes, analyze data, and apply mathematical thinking to authentic challenges. Learning is hands-on, collaborative, and driven by curiosity, helping students develop both academic proficiency and the confidence to think like scientists, engineers, designers, and innovators.

Studios provide opportunities for students to create, explore, and develop practical skills beyond the traditional classroom. Through visual arts, music, world languages, outdoor education, technology, life skills, service learning, and other rotating experiences, students discover new interests while strengthening creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Studios encourage exploration, allowing every child to pursue passions and uncover talents that may not emerge through academics alone.

The Children's Collective shares Montessori's respect for independence, hands-on learning, mixed-age communities, and carefully prepared environments. Where our model diverges is in its organizing architecture. Rather than centering the curriculum on presentations and specific didactic materials, we organize learning around permanent thinking frameworks and daily Discoveries. This creates a flexible system that preserves student agency while allowing the curriculum to evolve with community, culture, and new knowledge.

Math

Experience Mathematics Differently

We believe mathematics is something children experience, discuss, investigate, and apply, not simply memorize. Our curriculum is built on decades of developmental research demonstrating that mathematical understanding grows from concrete experiences to abstract reasoning.

Rather than teaching isolated procedures, we help students build deep conceptual understanding through multiple pathways of engagement. Every important mathematical idea is explored through our six learning frameworks, allowing students to interact with concepts in different ways before demonstrating mastery.

We believe mathematics should be multisensory, conceptually rich, and accessible to every learner. Students manipulate, move, build, draw, discuss, investigate, practice, and apply mathematics before they are expected to work with abstract symbols alone.

Six Ways to Learn Mathematics

Research from leaders such as Clements & Sarama, Piaget, Bruner, Gelman & Gallistel, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics consistently shows that children develop mathematical understanding through a predictable progression. Our curriculum intentionally supports this progression through six interconnected learning experiences.

Explore

Experience New Ideas

Students encounter new mathematical concepts through hands-on materials, movement, observation, games, and real-world experiences before formal instruction begins.

Create

Represent Understanding

Students model their thinking by building, drawing, organizing, acting out, sketching, and constructing mathematical ideas using a variety of representations.

Practice

Build Fluency

Students strengthen confidence, accuracy, and automaticity through purposeful practice that reinforces understanding rather than rote memorization.

Play

Experiment and Discover

Students manipulate ideas, test strategies, make mistakes, identify patterns, and develop flexible thinking through joyful mathematical exploration.

Discover

Reason and Explain

Students explain their thinking, justify solutions, compare strategies, make predictions, and construct deep conceptual understanding through mathematical discourse.

Contribute

Apply Mathematics

Students use mathematics to solve authentic problems, complete meaningful projects, improve their community, and connect learning to real-life situations.

Mathematics Across the Cohorts

While mathematical concepts become increasingly sophisticated, the learning process remains consistent. Every student experiences mathematics through exploration, representation, practice, experimentation, reasoning, and authentic application.

Connect (Jr. & Sr. Kindergarten)

Building Mathematical Foundations

Students develop strong number sense by exploring counting, quantity, patterns, shapes, measurement, spatial reasoning, and early operations through hands-on experiences. Learning emphasizes curiosity, confidence, and making sense of mathematical relationships before formal procedures.

Collaborate (1st - 3rd Grade)

Making Mathematical Connections

Students strengthen their understanding of operations, place value, geometry, measurement, fractions, and early algebraic thinking. They learn to compare strategies, explain their reasoning, and collaborate with others while continuing to use visual models and concrete materials to deepen understanding.

Contribution (4th - 6th Grade)

Deepening Mathematical Thinking

Students investigate increasingly complex concepts such as fractions, decimals, ratios, geometry, algebraic reasoning, statistics, and proportional relationships. Mathematics becomes a tool for solving authentic problems, conducting investigations, and communicating ideas with precision.

Transform (7th - 8th Grade)

Applying Mathematics with Purpose

Students use mathematics to analyze information, model relationships, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions. Learning emphasizes reasoning, mathematical proof, abstraction, and applying mathematics across disciplines to understand and improve the world around them.

Humanities

Become a Humanist

The Humanities help us understand who we are, where we came from, and how we live together. At The Children's Collective, students explore the stories, cultures, ideas, and experiences that have shaped people and societies throughout history while developing the skills to become thoughtful, informed, and compassionate citizens.

Our Humanities curriculum integrates writing, history, geography, civics, economics, philosophy, culture, and the social sciences into meaningful investigations centered around big ideas and essential questions. Rather than memorizing isolated dates and facts, students examine multiple perspectives, make connections across disciplines, and apply their understanding to the world around them.

Learning is rooted in inquiry, discussion, reflection, and authentic experiences that encourage students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage respectfully with diverse viewpoints.

Why Humanities Matter

The Humanities help students understand both the past and the present while preparing them to shape the future. Through the study of people, places, cultures, governments, beliefs, and historical events, students develop a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the human experience.

Whether examining ancient civilizations, exploring global cultures, analyzing historical events, debating ethical questions, or participating in civic life, students learn that history is not simply about the past, it is about understanding the world they live in today.

The Humanities also cultivate habits that extend far beyond the classroom.

Students learn to:

  • Think critically about ideas and information.
  • Communicate clearly through speaking and writing.
  • Examine multiple perspectives.
  • Ask thoughtful questions.
  • Support conclusions with evidence.
  • Recognize patterns and connections across time.
  • Appreciate diverse cultures and experiences.
  • Engage respectfully in discussion and debate.
  • Become informed and active citizens.

These habits prepare students not only for academic success but for meaningful participation in their communities and an increasingly interconnected world.

The Humanities are not simply the study of history. They are the study of humanity.

Six Ways to Learn Humanities

Understanding people and societies requires more than reading textbooks. Every Humanities unit is explored through our six learning frameworks, giving students multiple opportunities to investigate ideas, communicate understanding, and connect learning to their own lives.

Explore

Investigate the Human Experience

Students encounter historical artifacts, maps, photographs, primary sources, literature, current events, and compelling questions that spark curiosity and build background knowledge.

Create

Represent Understanding

Students construct timelines, write narratives, design maps, create models, produce artwork, reenact historical events, and develop projects that demonstrate their understanding.

Practice

Build Knowledge and Skills

Students strengthen research, writing, geography, vocabulary, discussion, and analytical skills through purposeful practice and meaningful application.

Play

Experience History and Culture

Students participate in simulations, role-playing, debates, games, storytelling, and immersive experiences that bring historical events, cultures, and ideas to life.

Discover

Think Critically

Students analyze sources, compare perspectives, identify cause-and-effect relationships, evaluate evidence, recognize bias, and construct thoughtful conclusions about complex issues.

Contribute

Apply Learning

Students use their understanding to engage in service learning, civic action, community projects, advocacy, presentations, and authentic work that connects the past to the challenges and opportunities of today.

Humanities Across the Cohorts

While the content becomes increasingly sophisticated, every student develops the habits of a historian, geographer, writer, philosopher, and engaged citizen.

Connect (Jr. & Sr. Kindergarten)

Discovering My World

Students begin by exploring themselves, their families, their school, and their local community. They learn about traditions, maps, helpers, cultures, and stories while developing an understanding of belonging, kindness, and responsible citizenship.

Collaborate (1st - 3rd Grade)

Understanding Communities

Students investigate local, national, and global communities while studying geography, history, government, economics, and culture. They begin asking meaningful questions, examining evidence, and making connections between people, places, and events.

Contribution (4th - 6th Grade)

Exploring the Human Story

Students examine civilizations, historical movements, government systems, global cultures, economics, philosophy, and civic responsibility through inquiry and discussion. They analyze multiple perspectives, communicate their thinking through writing and research, and connect historical lessons to contemporary issues.

Transform (7th - 8th Grade)

Leading Through Understanding

Students investigate complex historical events, global challenges, ethical questions, and civic issues through research, discussion, and interdisciplinary projects. They evaluate evidence, synthesize diverse perspectives, develop informed opinions, and use their learning to contribute thoughtfully to their communities and the broader world.

Science

Experience Science Differently

Science is a way of understanding the world. We believe children are natural scientists who learn by asking questions, making observations, testing ideas, and discovering patterns through firsthand experience.

Our science curriculum emphasizes curiosity, investigation, and evidence-based thinking. Students learn to observe carefully, think critically, communicate their findings, and recognize that science is an ongoing process of discovery rather than simply finding the "right" answer.

Science is explored through our six learning frameworks, allowing students to investigate concepts from multiple perspectives while developing the knowledge, skills, and habits of lifelong scientific thinkers.

Why Science Matters

Science helps us understand ourselves, our communities, our planet, and the universe beyond it. Scientific thinking enables students to investigate problems, evaluate evidence, recognize patterns, test ideas, and make informed decisions throughout their lives.

Whether studying ecosystems, engineering solutions, weather systems, chemistry, astronomy, medicine, or technology, students discover that science influences nearly every aspect of modern life. More importantly, they learn that science is not simply a body of knowledge; it is a way of thinking.

Through scientific inquiry, students develop habits that extend far beyond the laboratory.

Students learn to:

  • Observe carefully
  • Ask meaningful questions
  • Gather reliable evidence
  • Analyze patterns
  • Think critically
  • Communicate clearly
  • Collaborate respectfully
  • Revise ideas based on evidence
  • Solve complex problems
  • Make informed decisions

These habits prepare students not only for future scientific study, but also for thoughtful citizenship, lifelong learning, and responsible stewardship of the world.

Science is not simply preparation for future careers. It is preparation for understanding the world.

Six Ways to Learn Science

Scientific understanding develops through exploration, experimentation, discussion, and application. Every unit intentionally incorporates our six learning frameworks, ensuring students experience science through multiple pathways rather than relying on textbooks alone.

Explore

Observe the World

Students encounter scientific phenomena through observation, nature exploration, demonstrations, field experiences, questions, and hands-on investigations before formal explanations are introduced.

Create

Model Understanding

Students build models, create diagrams, classify observations, construct prototypes, record data, and represent scientific ideas through multiple forms of expression.

Practice

Develop Scientific Skills

Students strengthen essential scientific practices including measuring, recording observations, using scientific tools, identifying patterns, collecting evidence, and communicating results accurately.

Play

Experiment and Investigate

Students test ideas, manipulate variables, conduct investigations, explore materials, and discover relationships through joyful experimentation and inquiry.

Discover

Reason with Evidence

Students analyze data, identify patterns, draw conclusions, defend explanations with evidence, compare ideas, and connect scientific concepts across disciplines.

Contribute

Apply Science

Students use scientific knowledge to solve authentic problems, design innovative solutions, improve their communities, care for the environment, and better understand the world around them.

Science Across the Cohorts

While scientific concepts become increasingly sophisticated, every student learns through questioning, investigating, reasoning, and applying knowledge to authentic experiences.

Connect (Jr. & Sr. Kindergarten)

Discovering the Natural World

Students develop curiosity by observing plants, animals, weather, seasons, materials, motion, and the world around them. Learning emphasizes asking questions, making careful observations, exploring with the senses, and developing wonder about how things work.

Collaborate (1st - 3rd Grade)

Building Scientific Thinking

Students investigate life science, earth science, physical science, and engineering through hands-on experiments and collaborative investigations. They begin making predictions, collecting evidence, identifying patterns, and explaining scientific ideas using age-appropriate vocabulary.

Contribution (4th - 6th Grade)

Investigating Complex Systems

Students deepen their understanding of ecosystems, energy, matter, forces, Earth systems, human impact, engineering design, and scientific inquiry. They analyze data, design investigations, evaluate evidence, and apply scientific thinking to meaningful questions and real-world challenges.

Transform (7th-8th Grade)

Science for Innovation and Stewardship

Students use scientific reasoning to investigate complex problems, evaluate evidence, design innovative solutions, and understand the interconnected systems that shape our world. Learning emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, scientific communication, and using science to improve communities and protect the environment.

Reading

Experience Reading Differently

Reading is the gateway to lifelong learning. It opens the door to knowledge, imagination, communication, and independence. We believe every child deserves explicit, systematic instruction that builds the skills and confidence needed to become a capable, joyful reader.

Our reading curriculum combines evidence-based literacy instruction with meaningful opportunities to read, discuss, write, and think. Students learn not only how to read, but also how to understand, question, analyze, and enjoy what they read. As their skills develop, reading becomes a tool for learning across every subject and a lifelong source of curiosity and discovery.

Reading instruction is personalized to each learner's needs. Because children develop literacy at different rates, students receive targeted instruction based on their current level of development rather than age or grade alone.

Why Reading Matters

Reading is the foundation for learning in every discipline. Strong readers are better equipped to investigate scientific questions, solve mathematical problems, understand history, communicate ideas, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Beyond academics, reading helps children develop empathy, imagination, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Through stories, informational texts, biographies, poetry, and primary sources, students encounter diverse perspectives, explore new ideas, and make meaningful connections across cultures and experiences.

Reading also develops habits that extend far beyond the classroom.

Students learn to:

  • Decode unfamiliar words with confidence.
  • Read fluently and accurately.
  • Build vocabulary through meaningful context.
  • Understand increasingly complex texts.
  • Think critically about what they read.
  • Ask thoughtful questions.
  • Support ideas with evidence.
  • Communicate clearly through discussion and writing.
  • Develop a lifelong love of reading.

Reading is preparation for lifelong learning.

Six Ways to Learn Reading

Learning to read is both a science and an art. While students receive explicit instruction in foundational literacy skills, they also engage with reading through our six learning frameworks, allowing them to experience literacy in meaningful and authentic ways.

Explore

Discover New Texts

Students encounter rich literature, informational texts, poetry, and authentic reading experiences that spark curiosity and build background knowledge before formal skill instruction.

Create

Respond and Represent

Students demonstrate understanding by drawing, writing, acting, discussing, illustrating, mapping ideas, and creating meaningful responses to what they read.

Practice

Build Strong Readers

Students develop fluency, decoding, vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension through explicit instruction and purposeful practice that builds confidence and automaticity.

Play

Explore Language

Students investigate words, sounds, stories, language patterns, and literature through games, storytelling, dramatic play, reader's theater, and joyful exploration.

Discover

Think Deeply

Students analyze texts, ask questions, infer meaning, compare perspectives, evaluate evidence, and connect ideas across books, disciplines, and lived experiences.

Contribute

Read to Learn, Read to Lead

Students apply literacy by conducting research, sharing ideas, creating publications, presenting learning, advocating for causes, and using reading and writing to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Reading Across the Cohorts

While literacy skills become increasingly sophisticated, every student develops as both a skilled reader and a thoughtful thinker.

Connect (Jr. & Sr. Kindergarten)

Becoming a Reader

Students build strong foundational literacy through explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, oral language, handwriting, and early comprehension. Rich read-alouds, storytelling, and meaningful conversations cultivate confidence and a love of books.

Collaborate (1st - 3rd Grade)

Growing as a Reader

Students strengthen fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and written communication while reading a wide variety of literary and informational texts. They discuss ideas, make connections, ask questions, and begin reading independently with increasing confidence.

Contribution (4th - 6th Grade)

Reading to Understand the World

Students read increasingly complex texts across genres and disciplines while developing critical thinking, analytical reading, research skills, and evidence-based discussion. Reading becomes a powerful tool for learning, inquiry, and communication.

Transform (7th-8th Grade)

Reading for Purpose and Perspective

Students analyze sophisticated texts, evaluate arguments, synthesize information from multiple sources, and communicate thoughtful interpretations through discussion, writing, and research. They become independent readers who use literacy to understand complex issues, engage with diverse perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Theater

Learning Through Theatre

At The Children's Collective, theatre is more than performance; it is a powerful tool for learning, communication, collaboration, and personal growth. Every student participates in theatre experiences that build confidence, creativity, empathy, and the ability to express ideas effectively.

Rather than focusing solely on producing plays, our theatre program uses movement, storytelling, improvisation, role-playing, and collaborative performance to help students explore academic concepts, solve problems, practice leadership, and strengthen relationships.

Theatre becomes a natural extension of learning across every subject, allowing students to embody ideas rather than simply study them.

Why Theatre Matters

The skills developed through theatre extend far beyond the stage. Whether presenting research, collaborating on projects, resolving conflict, or speaking confidently in front of others, students benefit from the communication and interpersonal skills that theatre naturally develops.

Through theatre, students learn to:

  • Communicate with confidence.
  • Listen actively and respond thoughtfully.
  • Collaborate effectively.
  • Develop empathy by considering multiple perspectives.
  • Solve problems creatively.
  • Express ideas clearly.
  • Think on their feet.
  • Build resilience and confidence.
  • Lead and support others.
  • Work respectfully as part of a team.

These skills strengthen every aspect of learning and prepare students for meaningful participation in school, work, and community life.

Theatre is not simply about performing. It is about learning to communicate, connect, and collaborate.

Learning Through Theatre

Our theatre curriculum draws inspiration from interactive and participatory theatre practices, including age-appropriate adaptations of dialogic and forum-based approaches. Students become active participants in exploring ideas, asking questions, examining different perspectives, and rehearsing solutions to real-world situations.

Through improvisation, storytelling, simulations, role-playing, and collaborative performance, students develop both artistic skills and the confidence to communicate thoughtfully in everyday life.

Rather than preparing children to become actors, we use theatre to help them become confident communicators, empathetic collaborators, and thoughtful problem-solvers.

Theatre Across the Cohorts

Connect (Jr. & Sr. Kindergarten)

Finding My Voice

Students build confidence through storytelling, imaginative play, music, movement, puppetry, dramatic play, and simple performances while learning to express themselves and work with others.

Collaborate (1st - 3rd Grade)

Creating Together

Students explore character, storytelling, improvisation, reader's theatre, and collaborative performances while strengthening communication, cooperation, and creative thinking.

Contribution (4th - 6th Grade)

Communicating Ideas

Students use theatre to explore history, literature, social issues, and community challenges through role-play, simulations, original performances, and collaborative productions.

Transform (7th - 8th Grade)

Leading Through Performance

Students facilitate discussions, create original performances, explore complex perspectives, and use theatre as a tool for leadership, advocacy, civic engagement, and meaningful dialogue.

community

Community as Curriculum

We believe learning how to live, work, and grow with others is just as important as learning to read, write, or solve equations. Strong communities are intentionally built through shared experiences, meaningful relationships, and explicit instruction.

Community is woven into every part of the school day. Students learn how to communicate respectfully, solve problems collaboratively, manage emotions, take responsibility, and contribute to the well-being of others. These are skills we intentionally teach, model, practice, and revisit throughout the year.

Every child belongs to a learning community where they are known, valued, and encouraged to become active contributors to the life of the school.

Why Community Matters

Children spend their lives in relationships, with classmates, families, coworkers, neighbors, and communities. Learning how to navigate those relationships successfully is one of the most valuable outcomes of education.

A strong community creates the conditions where meaningful learning can flourish. Students who feel safe, connected, respected, and valued are more willing to take risks, ask questions, collaborate with others, and persevere through challenges.

Community also develops habits that extend far beyond school.

Students learn to:

  • Build healthy relationships.
  • Communicate respectfully.
  • Listen with empathy.
  • Resolve conflict peacefully.
  • Manage emotions effectively.
  • Take responsibility for their choices.
  • Work collaboratively toward shared goals.
  • Demonstrate kindness and respect.
  • Contribute to the well-being of others.
  • Develop confidence, independence, and leadership.

These habits prepare students not only for academic success but for meaningful participation in their families, workplaces, and communities throughout life.

Learning how to be a good community member is one of the most important things we teach.

Community in Action

Community at TCC is not taught through short SEL programs, but rather is experienced every day.

Students begin each day by connecting with one another, building relationships, and establishing a shared sense of purpose. Throughout the day they participate in community conversations, collaborative problem solving, restorative practices, leadership opportunities, and shared responsibilities that strengthen both individual growth and the collective well-being of the school.

Our shared lunch period is an important part of this work. Rather than simply eating together, students practice conversation, table manners, hospitality, inclusion, gratitude, and respectful communication. Lunch becomes another opportunity to build relationships across ages and strengthen our school family.

By intentionally creating spaces for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration, students learn that every member of a community has both the privilege of belonging and the responsibility to contribute.

The Launch Period

Building a strong community begins before academic learning can truly flourish.

The first six weeks of every school year are dedicated to Launch, an intentional period focused on establishing the routines, relationships, expectations, and habits that allow our learning communities to thrive. During this time, students explicitly learn and practice communication skills, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, independence, responsibility, classroom routines, collaborative problem-solving, and community expectations.

While these skills continue to be strengthened throughout the year, the Launch period provides the shared foundation that supports every aspect of learning that follows.

We believe investing time in building community at the beginning of the year creates stronger relationships, greater independence, and deeper learning for the remainder of the school year.

Community Across the Cohorts

Connect (Jr. and Sr. Kindergarten)

Learning to Belong

Students build friendships, develop independence, practice classroom routines, and learn the foundational skills of kindness, cooperation, emotional awareness, and respectful communication.

Collaborate (1st - 3rd Grade)

Learning to Work Together

Students strengthen communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, responsibility, and collaborative problem-solving while contributing to the daily life of their learning community.

Contribution (4th - 6th Grade)

Learning to Serve

Students assume increasing responsibility through leadership opportunities, mentorship, service learning, collaborative decision-making, and meaningful contributions that strengthen both the classroom and the broader community.

Transform (7th - 8th Grade)

Learning to Lead

Students become mentors, facilitators, advocates, and leaders who use empathy, communication, ethical decision-making, and collaboration to positively influence their school and the world around them.

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Contact

(605) 650-8778
connect@thechildrenscollective.org
3209 S. Summit Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57105