A day in the life

At Gardner Academy, each day is intentionally designed to foster deep learning, build strong character, and cultivate a sense of purpose and connection—in the classroom, in the community, and in the natural world. Here is an overview of our weekly rhythm, subject to modification.

8 AM arrival

8:30–9:00 AM // Opening Circle

The day begins in community. Students gather with teachers for a reflective and grounding start—setting intentions, sharing insights, and building connection. Once a week, Opening Circle is replaced by a brief, thoughtful Chapel Service rooted in Episcopal tradition, inviting students into stillness, reflection, and purpose.

9:00–10:30 AM // Core Competency Block

Students engage in personalized, competency-based learning in math and language arts, using adaptive digital platforms and teacher guidance to work at their own pace toward mastery. Small-group instruction and targeted support ensure depth of understanding and continual growth.

10:30–11:30 AM // Humanities Block

Through literature, history, philosophy, and the arts, students explore timeless questions of virtue, justice, leadership, and the human experience. Socratic discussion, writing, and critical thinking form the core of this hour.

11:30 AM–12:00 PM (Wednesdays Only) // Student Leadership Meetings

Once a week, students participate in structured leadership sessions, developing voice, responsibility, and collaborative decision-making skills as part of their growth as young leaders.

12:00–12:45 PM // Lunch & Recreation

A time for nourishment and play—students eat together, enjoy the outdoors, and build friendships through unstructured, device-free time.

12:45–3:00 PM // Project Time

Afternoons are dedicated to interdisciplinary, hands-on projects that run in 4-to-6-week cycles. Projects are inquiry-based, often student-driven, and may integrate science, art, writing, and real-world problem solving. Once a week, students engage in a full Expedition Day—diving deep into the Methow Valley's landscapes, ecology, history, or community needs through place-based learning experiences

A Whole-Child Approach

Throughout the week, students develop mastery in academics while also nurturing grit, purpose, leadership, and a sense of belonging. The rhythm of our days reflects our belief that middle school is not only preparation for high school, but for life.

  • At Gardner Academy, we recognize the value of innovation and the appropriate use of technology to enhance learning. However, we believe that middle school is a critical time for developing deep thinking, meaningful relationships, and strong character—best cultivated through face-to-face interaction and engagement with the real world.
    To support these priorities:

    • Student cell phones are not permitted on campus during school hours. If a phone is brought to school, it must be turned in at the start of the day and will be returned at dismissal.

    • School computers and digital devices are available for checkout strictly for competency-based educational (CBE) work or for other academic purposes as expressly determined necessary by the teacher.

    • Personal devices, including smartwatches and tablets, are not allowed during school hours.

    • Technology use will be intentionally limited and always supervised, ensuring it supports—rather than distracts from—deep learning and human connection.

    We believe that students thrive when technology serves a clear educational purpose, and human presence remains at the heart of the learning experience.

  • Maybe. We’re working on getting middle school up and running first, and will evaluate need and opportunities.

  • We’re working hard on this. We hope to have more information soon.

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