Caraway enrolment for 2026/2027 is closed. The 2027 open house will occur in February. Please check back soon for the date.

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Caraway classrooms

Our classes

Multi-age groupings that emphasize social and emotional learning, with project-based, hands-on learning in a democratic and respectful environment.

A class exploring a meadow at the edge of the forest

Classroom structure changes every year, depending on enrolment and how many students are in each grade. The rooms you see on a parent tour may be grouped differently the following year. Staff work hard to build class groupings around friendships, each child's needs and the needs of each classroom as a whole.

A young student working on a craft at a classroom table

Purple Room

Purple Room consists of Kindergarten and Grade One students. Purple Room dives into many play offerings, explores social emotional learning and so much more! We typically have heavier enrolment in the youngest classrooms. Classroom structure varies from year to year depending on enrolment numbers.

Students exploring rocks and soil outdoors
"The Tangellows"

Tangerine & Yellow Room

In the Tangerine and Yellow Rooms, students begin to take ownership of their education. They also start to become mentors and leaders for the younger kids. This year, the Tangerine and Yellow Rooms hold grades two to four. We lovingly call them "The Tangellows." Classroom structure varies from year to year depending on enrolment numbers.

Students laughing as they help a classmate up from the mud at the edge of a pond

Green Room

Green Room consists of Grade Five and Six. In Green Room, students continue to take ownership of their education and grow their interests, social emotional skills, stepping into leadership and academics. Classroom structure varies from year to year depending on enrolment numbers.

Older students on a walk along the river valley
Studio space

Red Room

Red Room is a large studio space for students entering their teen years. They focus on connection to themselves and others while growing their interests, social-emotional skills, leadership and academics. The room keeps a sense of wonder and a joyful, playful atmosphere, with an attachment-style approach that balances autonomy and community. Students learn about the global world they are part of, so they can become democratic citizens who feel able to create change. Classroom structure varies from year to year depending on enrolment numbers.

Daily rhythm & schedule

The Caraway Way

How we believe children learn, and the close relationships students build with staff, shape our timetable. Our rhythm needs some flexibility and time for self-chosen activities and exploration. We see each student's learning as a continuous process of development.

Older students often take part in a social and emotional sharing circle. They can work together this way because they practised the skills in daily meetings during their primary years.

A student exploring materials at a classroom sensory table
  1. 8:41 a.m. – ArrivalOur day starts, and our gentle structure begins shortly after.
  2. Morning meetingThe whole group gathers to discuss the day's plans and settle any issues democratically. These meetings build collaborative communication and many other skills.
  3. Gym, ravine adventures & projectsThe older rooms also have dedicated time for numeracy and literacy.
  4. Lunch
  5. Afternoon meetingThe groups gather again before breaking into exploration, free choice and clubs run by students and parents.

Our unique programming

Some of what we offer at Caraway

A student running a decorated candy shop stall at the Caraway Marketplace

Yawarac

Yawarac is our entrepreneurship unit. Every Caraway student comes up with a concept with a group, develops a plan, makes a product and launches a business at the school. Students set up and sell at the Caraway Marketplace. So much learning happens during Yawarac!

Leaves, seeds and nature finds laid out on paper for study

Life Cycle

Nature Days and ravine exploration are central to the Caraway program. Time in nature builds resilience, problem solving, collaboration and healthy risk-taking. It also supports children's mental health, independence and care for the earth.

A student in safety goggles watching mist pour from a glass flask

Potion Shop

Potion Shop brings numeracy, literacy, science and play together for a spooktacular learning experience!

A student building a machine with gears and craft materials

Tinkering

This is time for hands-on exploration and creativity. Trials, failures and triumphs are all part of becoming an inventor. Gutting, gadgets and gizmos, oh my!

An adult and a student reading a map together on a forest trail

Field Trips

Taking part in new experiences enriches our learning. We go on many adventurous field trips and host classroom workshops. From skiing to catching frogs, camping and swimming, we cover it all!

Students in costume performing on stage

Art & Theatre

In grade four, children can join Caraway's story theatre. Past casts have even performed at the Fringe Festival and received glowing reviews! Students also use the creative art room for everything from painting to throwing clay on the wheel.

Come see for yourself

Open house dates for 2027/2028 will be announced in early 2027. Let us know you're interested.