In public education, there are many alternative programs. However, most are essentially the same shirt in different colours: the same cut with slightly shorter sleeves or an extra pocket. You can have curriculum delivered in one of a half dozen languages or with half a day of sports, or extra art or religion. Very few programs differ on the basis of pedagogy, the philosophy of curriculum delivery.

Progressive education is a philosophy of education that emphasizes the individual needs and abilities of each student. It is based on the idea that students should be actively involved in their own learning, rather than passively receiving information from a teacher. Progressive educators believe that education should be relevant and meaningful to students' lives and should focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In a progressive education setting, students are often given the opportunity to work on real-world projects and to collaborate with their peers. Teachers act as facilitators, helping students to explore and discover knowledge on their own. Progressive education is founded on the belief that all students have the potential to learn and grow and that education should be personalized to meet the unique needs of each student.

Yes, siblings are welcome in our Caraway classrooms. That being said, it is important that the sibling is not disturbing others learning or destroying classroom property or students project work. Toddlers, for example, are such active little people and cannot respect the space by themselves,  so you must ensure that the sibling is well monitored in the classroom and that you are cleaning up after them. 

Risk-taking in education builds a base for self-reliance and perseverance. Learning, grit & innovation happens through overcoming failure and taking chances

Yes, we do have a tuition fee to attend Caraway and for field trips/supplies. All cost options can be split over the 10 month school year or paid in a lump sum. 

Lump Sum Example: 

One Child: $1000.00

Two Children: $1500.00

Three Children: $1900.00

Four+ Children: $2250.00

*All supplies and field trip fees are included in the amounts above. 

Community Of Caraway Parents Society fee - $10/year

*We do offer subsidies for families that apply and meet the requirements.

Parents involved at Caraway School are strongly committed and are involved in the school community. They serve on parent committees and our parent board. They help with the purchasing of materials, support teachers with the physical classroom environment, attend community meetings  and actively faciliate in the classroom and on field trips. Families are entering into a cooperative agreement to volunteer 2.5 hours per week, per child, up to a maximum of five hours. This type of real parent involvement is fundamental to our philosophy when considering children.  Involvement increases the understanding and goals of the program and there are many positive results to having parents and caregivers be part of the school environment. 

Yes! Nature Day programming is vital to the goals of our program as they are one of the most fertile grounds for gaining personal resilience, problem solving, collaboration and risk taking. Being in nature also helps our students retain better mental health, autonomy and stewardship over our earth. 

Other than public transport, there is no Yellow Bus Service to or from Caraway. 

No, we do not offer a lunch program. Families are required to pack their own lunches. 

Not at all! If you are willing to transport your children to and from school, there are no boundries.