Skills - insight - learners - leaders

Mixed-Age
Upper Elementary Program
Ages 8-10

  • Children ages 6-8 ready to strengthen foundational academic skills while continuing to grow socially and emotionally in a supportive, mixed-age community.

    The earl elementary program is Ideal for learners who benefit from individualized pacing, collaborative learning and opportunities to both receive support and take on emerging leadership with younger peers.

    As part of our model of community care, for any indoor time, masks are required. All learners must reliably be able to wear an N-95 or KN-95 mask.

  • Children ages 6-8 with foundational academic readiness, social emotional readiness, independence and community readiness are typically ready to move into the early elementary program.

    Children transition into early elementary when they demonstrate readiness in foundational literacy and numeracy, increasing independence in learning routines, and the social-emotional skills needed for collaborative classroom work.

    Because children develop at different rates, transitions are individualized and occur when each child shows confidence and engagement with next-level learning.

    As part of our community care model, all learners are required to wear masks while indoors. All learners must reliably be able to wear an N-95 or KN-95 mask during their time indoors.

    All learners are required to be up-to-date on all vaccines as recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health and CIDRAP, unless a medical exemption applies.

  • A balanced, hands-on approach that deepens literacy and numeracy through small-group instruction, guided practice and meaningful projects.

    Students learn alongside peers of different ages, developing reading, writing, math reasoning and problem-solving while practicing cooperation, communication and independence.

    The mixed-age setting encourages children to learn up and mentor, building confidence, empathy and a sense of responsibility within the classroom community.

  • 10 kids or fewer. HMLC keeps classes intentionally small to ensure individualized attention, strong teacher–student relationships and a collaborative learning environment where each child’s progress and well-being are closely supported.

  • Free play
    Morning meeting
    English Language Arts, math,
    Lunch
    Free and directed play time
    Snack
    Art/science/history/social studies

    Integrated studies that connect reading, writing, math, science and social learning.

    Including:

    A typical week includes literacy workshops, math explorations, hands-on science or design challenges, collaborative projects in mixed-age teams, outdoor learning and creative expression through art or drama.

  • Students move into the mixed-age upper elementary program as they demonstrate readiness in core academic skills, independence, and collaborative habits. Typically between ages 8-10.

    Because the multi-age structure and community relationships continue across stages, transitions are familiar, gentle and gradual, allowing each child to progress with confidence and continuity.

  • If your child has a mental or behavioral health diagnosis (or known mental or behavioral health challenges) or has a history of physically running away from adults or groups into unsafe situations outside of safety boundaries (i.e. running into the street despite being aware of safety rules and being asked to stop), we ask that families connect with HMLC administrators and educators to discuss before enrolling.

    Every child and every situation is different, so we may be able to accommodate your family safely in a way that fully supports your child.

    However, we are a very small organization and are unable to provide dedicated, one-on-one support, such as individual support specialists.

    Please discuss with us first and we can let you know if the HMLC program is a good fit for your family’s needs. ‍

  • Yes! One of the unique aspects of HMLC’s program is our homeschool hybrid program.

    We offer two options for our early elementary program:

    • Full-time, five days/week or

    • Two days/week homeschool hybrid program. Participants in this program must be registered with their local school districts as homeschoolers and working as a home school family.

    HMLC’s homeschool hybrid program is an in-person, screen-free experience. HMLC educators can assist with ongoing homeschool work, address challenging subjects, complement homeschool learning and more.

Interested in learning more or enrolling in the Hearts and Minds Learning Community’s early elementary program? Let’s talk!

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HMLC’s Educational Approach

The Hearts and Minds Learning Community is grounded in the belief that children learn best when they are:

  • Actively engaged in hands-on experiences

  • Connected to the natural world

  • Supported socially and emotionally

  • Given time and space to explore, question and reflect

    HMLC is committed to providing a diverse learning program that honors and celebrates different cultures, lived experiences and peoples. Children are introduced to a wide range of cultural traditions, stories, languages, perspectives and histories through curriculum themes, literature, music, art, food and community engagement.

    Our customized curriculum integrates academic skill-building with experiential learning, movement, creativity and outdoor exploration.

    This approach is supported by extensive research demonstrating that nature-based education enhances academic achievement, executive functioning, emotional well-being and intrinsic motivation. These beliefs are reflected daily through hands-on lessons, outdoor inquiry, collaborative learning experiences and intentional support for each child’s social and emotional growth.

HMLC’s Curriculum

HMLC’s curriculum is aligned with Minnesota state early learning guidelines and elementary learning standards.

These standards are reflected across core developmental and academic domains, including:

  • Language and literacy development

  • Mathematics

  • Science inquiry

  • Social studies

  • Creative arts

  • Physical development

  • Social-emotional learning

    Our curriculum is:

  • Standards-aligned: Learning experiences are designed to support mastery of Minnesota state learning objectives while remaining developmentally appropriate.

  • Inquiry-based: Driven by curiosity and student questions.

  • Interdisciplinary: Integrating literacy, math, science, art, music and social studies.

  • Experiential: Emphasizing real-world, hands-on learning.

  • Screen-free: Prioritizing sensory-rich, embodied experiences.

  • Responsive: Adapted to developmental readiness and interests.

    Learning outcomes are documented through observation, documentation and formalized assessments during parent-teacher meetings. This aligns with best practices recommended by state early learning and elementary education agencies.

Community-Centered Learning

Learning at HMLC is relational and community-focused.

Research shows that children thrive in environments where they feel safe, connected, and valued. Our program emphasizes respectful relationships, shared responsibility, and collective care.

Community-centered learning at HMLC includes:

A strong commitment to inclusion, equity and cultural responsiveness.

By highlighting diverse cultures, identities, family structures and community experiences, children learn to value differences, practice empathy and develop a sense of belonging and global awareness.

HMLC is:

  • An educator-owned cooperative

  • A gender-inclusive school

  • A secular environment exploring and celebrating a wide range of faith traditions

  • An inclusive, collaborative community where children learn across differences, practice empathy and develop respect for diverse perspectives and experiences