From our friends at The Marylhurst School:

Children Love to Learn and Marylhurst Fuels That Excitement

The Marylhurst School is an independent, inclusive, progressive education community serving preschool through eighth grade students. Located on 38 forested acres overlooking the Clackamas River, the campus offers a nature-rich environment where children are encouraged to explore, question, and discover who they are becoming. Through an inquiry-based approach driven by children’s interests, questions, and wonderings, the school’s year-long thematic curriculum provides a framework for deep and meaningful learning. Marylhurst’s core principle is to guide students toward becoming confident lifelong learners, courageous explorers, imaginative creators, and ethical, engaged citizens.

Early Learning (Ages 3–4)

Rooted in play, Marylhurst’s preschool and pre-kindergarten programs nurture curiosity and joy. A multicultural, hands-on curriculum introduces early literacy and numeracy through storytelling, art, music, movement, and outdoor exploration. Students develop foundational social-emotional skills such as cooperation, persistence, empathy, and creative problem-solving. The early learning environment is intentionally designed to foster independence and confidence, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition into the school’s progressive kindergarten program.

Primary School (K–5)

In kindergarten through fifth grade, students learn in multi-age classrooms that support both academic growth and social development. Marylhurst emphasizes experiential, hands-on learning grounded in research about how children learn best. Broad, year-long thematic studies integrate literature, art, science, history, mathematics, and music into cohesive units that feel purposeful and connected.

Small class sizes allow teachers to truly know each student and tailor instruction to meet individual strengths and needs. Students are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, collaborate with peers, and engage deeply with real-world ideas. Whether conducting scientific investigations, writing original stories, exploring the natural world, or presenting authentic research to audiences, children experience learning as active and dynamic.

Middle School (6–8)

Marylhurst’s middle school program provides adolescents time to grow, space to play, and rigorous inquiry-based instruction that challenges students intellectually and socially. The curriculum builds on the progressive foundation established in the primary years, including year-long thematic studies, student-directed projects, and mentor-apprentice relationships that foster leadership and self-advocacy.

Students are encouraged to think critically, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively. Through meaningful responsibilities, outdoor education experiences, public presentations, and creative problem-solving, they develop resilience and confidence. Faculty members recognize that middle school is a transformative period and provide both structure and independence to support students as they discover their voices and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

At The Marylhurst School, children do more than attend classes, they belong to a community that values curiosity, creativity, and connection. The school’s commitment to progressive education ensures that students are not only prepared academically, but also equipped with the character and confidence to thrive beyond the classroom.

Visit www.themarylhurstschool.org to learn more about the school and its offerings.