Our Program

A Miquon teacher is helping a child in writing class outside

Miquon offers a Progressive educational program that very intentionally provides children with a balance of structure and flexibility.

Structure is grounded in clearly articulated goals and age-appropriate expectations, close observation of individual needs, and deep teacher involvement in each child’s progress.

Flexibility is found in giving children the space to experiment, take different paths, make choices, and take risks. This flexibility is necessary for children to develop independence, self-motivation, and a lasting passion for learning.

2

teachers per classroom from preschool through sixth grade

60-90

minutes dedicated to outdoor Choice Time each day

3

the grade technology is lightly introduced into the classroom

5

the number of specialists children visit each week

9

the number of wooded acres children can explore each day

7:1

our student to teacher ratio

3,482

the number of trees children can climb up and read a book in!

What is Progressive Education?

Progressive education begins with a deep belief in children—in their curiosity, creativity, and capacity to think deeply about the world around them.

At our Progressive school in the woods, we provide the rich environment and structure for children to learn by asking questions, exploring ideas, collaborating with others, and actively participating in their own learning.

This kind of optimism and belief in young people is rare. We believe in it wholeheartedly, and we think it’s the most important thing we offer.

visit our progressive education page

read about our mission and 10 tenets

Miquon student standing with large block tower

Preschool

The youngest children at Miquon are the three and four-year-olds in our preschool program.

Days in preschool are filled with storytelling, singing, building, painting, climbing, digging, splashing in the creek, and exploring Miquon’s wooded campus alongside caring teachers and peers. Play, inquiry, and relationships are at the heart of the experience, while early math and literacy skills are intentionally woven into the children’s daily explorations and activities. Together, these experiences create a joyful environment where young children develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

learn more about our preschool program

Kindergarten

Kindergartners are naturally curious about the world around them. Every day brings new questions, discoveries, and connections! The kindergarten day blends hands-on academics, lots of outdoor exploration, and opportunities for social growth.

While our kindergarteners engage in more formalized math and literacy instruction at this stage, the learning continues to be hands-on, project-based and infused with student interest. Children are continuously encouraged to explore, test their ideas and collaborate with others.

Elementary

Teacher helping child with magnetic fractions at board

In first through sixth grade at Miquon, our elementary students engage in connected, interdisciplinary learning that fuses literacy, math, and social studies through meaningful work and inquiry.

First through sixth grade children continue to develop strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics while applying them in authentic contexts that include research, discussion, problem-solving, and project work. Learning is both structured and responsive, with teachers guiding instruction while also leaving space for students’ ideas, questions, and emerging understandings.

As students grow through the Elementary program, they build depth, independence, and confidence as learners.

Specialists

A preschool student works on a multi-colored liquid experiment

At Miquon, our specialist program extends the school’s core belief that children learn by doing.

Our specialists offer rich opportunities to explore, create, and connect.

Across science, music, art, physical education, and library, students engage in hands-on learning by experimenting in the natural world, making and building, moving their bodies, performing together, and discovering new stories and ideas.

learn more about our specialists

Extended Day

Two children play with wooden crates outside

Miquon’s Extended Day Programs provide children with a safe, welcoming environment before and after school, during school breaks, and throughout the summer.

Whether children are reading quietly in the Playbarn, building forts in the woods, cooking with Nature Karen, creating art with Maddie, or participating in a sports clinic with DJ, our programs offer a relaxed extension of the school day rooted in play, exploration, and community.

Diversity, Equity, Action

A child mixes paint colors in order to best match her skin color

At Miquon, we believe a strong community is built when every child is known, valued, and encouraged to bring their full self to school.

Through classroom experiences, community traditions, and ongoing learning, children develop empathy, curiosity, and the confidence to understand different perspectives and contribute positively to the world around them. Diversity, equity, and action are part of daily life at Miquon—from the stories we read and questions we explore to the relationships we build together.

Explore our approach to diversity, equity, action

Social Emotional Learning

6th graders put their hands in for a cheer at graduation

At Miquon, we believe that learning happens best in a community where children feel known, valued, and connected. Social emotional learning is embedded throughout the school day as children develop self-awareness, empathy, communication skills, and the ability to navigate relationships with care and curiosity.

Through classroom conversations, collaborative problem-solving, Buddy Time partnerships, and school-wide gatherings like Good of the Group, students practice listening to others, expressing their ideas, resolving conflicts, and contributing to the life of the community. These experiences help children grow not only as learners, but as thoughtful and engaged members of a community.

Technology

Two older children look at something under a microscope

At Miquon, technology supports learning—it does not drive it. We prioritize hands-on exploration, creative play, time in nature, and meaningful relationships as the foundation of childhood and learning. Children in the early elementary do not use personal digital devices during the school day. Beginning in Grades 3–6, students use technology sparingly and purposefully for research, writing, collaboration, and creative projects. Along the way, they build digital citizenship skills and gradually develop the confidence and judgment needed for middle school and beyond.

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