Origins Curriculum
Why Origins?
The Origins Curriculum revolutionizes traditional learning by immersing students in a sequence of global biomes—desert, forest, aquatic, grassland, and tundra. Rather than teaching isolated subjects, Origins weaves science, art, literacy, social studies, and mindfulness into each ecosystem’s story, creating a cohesive, hands-on experience that taps into every learner’s curiosity.
Awarded for its innovative, nature centered approach, Origins gives K–5 students the skills to think critically, express creatively, and care deeply for the planet. By focusing on “who we are,” “who lives here,” “what’s happening,” and “how we’re connected,” Origins cultivates well-rounded thinkers prepared to tackle real-world challenges with empathy and imagination.
Origins Focal Points
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![Silhouette of a boy sitting on the ground reading a book against a sunset sky.]()
Internal
Who Are We?
Cultivate self-awareness, emotional regulation, and identity through guided mindfulness and journaling exercises.
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![A small fox lying on a rocky surface among large rocks and some sparse green plants, partially obscured by a blurred foreground element.]()
External
Who Lives Here?
Explore local cultures, indigenous traditions, and regional flora & fauna to build an appreciation for community and biodiversity.
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![Close-up of golden grass with dew drops, illuminated by sunlight at sunrise or sunset.]()
Metaphysical
What’s Happening?
Study natural cycles, weather patterns, water flows, ecological interactions, through hands-on experiments and outdoor observations.
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![Close-up of tree roots extending over rocky ground with some green and dried leaves.]()
Interconnection
How Are We Connected?
Learn systems thinking by tracing how energy, water, and resources flow between biomes, cultures, and global ecosystems.
How It Works
Biome Immersion
Each grade spends 6–8 weeks fully immersed in one biome (desert, forest, aquatic, grassland, or tundra) experiencing its unique climate, flora, and fauna firsthand. Students engage in daily fieldwork, from measuring soil moisture to identifying native plants, to build a deep, contextual understanding of their environment. Lessons extend beyond the classroom, involving local experts and cultural traditions that enrich scientific study. This sustained immersion ensures learners form lasting connections to the ecosystems they study.
Focal-Point Integration
Every day, students explore four core themes - Internal, External, Metaphysical, and Interconnection - through a variety of activities. “Internal” lessons focus on self-awareness and mindfulness, helping children reflect on their personal growth. “External” units highlight local cultures and living organisms, while “Metaphysical” investigates natural processes like weather patterns and ecological cycles. “Interconnection” ties it all together by illustrating how energy, water, and resources flow through and between biomes, fostering systems thinking.
Art and Reflection
After hands-on exploration, students use art to synthesize and communicate their discoveries, such as painting desert landscapes, sculpting forest wildlife, or composing songs about water conservation. This creative process deepens understanding by requiring learners to translate observations into tangible expressions. Reflection sessions encourage them to share insights and discuss how their projects connect to broader ecological and cultural concepts. By blending artistic practice with scientific inquiry, Sky Island nurtures well-rounded thinkers who learn to convey complex ideas with clarity and empathy.
Our Classes by Biome
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![Colorful kindergarten classroom with world map mural, potted plants, a globe, and seating.]()
World Explorers
Kindergarten will explore concepts in each biome to create a base understanding of the world ecosystems. They will join grades K-5 in daily forest exploration, yoga, and Spanish.
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![Classroom with purple desert mountain mural, cactus decorations, and moon-shaped hanging lights. There are small wooden desks, a bookcase with books, a glass terrarium with a lizard and plants, a purple bean bag, a wooden teacher's desk with a chair, and colorful letters spelling 'CIRCLE TIME.']()
Desert Discoverers
First graders navigate the desert biome as they incorporate reading, writing, math, science, history & culture, art, mindfulness, and movement. They will join grades 1-5 in weekly specials rotating between dance, music, swimming, and field sports.
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![Classroom with forest-themed mural, plants, and classroom furniture.]()
Forest Navigators
Second graders learn about different forest biomes within their curriculum, as well as joining grades 2-5 in daily rotating electives. They include art, theater, cooking, animal agriculture, and gardening.
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![Classroom with ocean-themed mural featuring fish, a turtle, a shark, an octopus, and aquatic plants, with desks and chairs arranged for students.]()
Aquatic Voyagers
Third graders enjoy learning about aquatic biomes within daily curriculum and projects. Like the other grades, they also have access to daily yoga and Spanish. With daily elective rotations through art, theater, dance, cooking, animal agriculture, music, swimming, field sports, and gardening.
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![Fourth grade classroom with wood desks and chairs, a colorful rug, potted plants, an animal terrarium, a beanbag, and a large mural of a landscape with trees and sky. Decor includes hanging owls and leaves, and a sign reading 'Fourth Grade'.]()
Grassland Investigators
Fourth graders study grassland biomes within curriculum. Like all grades, they will have access to the daily yoga, forest exploration, Spanish, and also rotating electives.
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![Classroom with snow-themed mural, potted plants, globe, blue circular rug, and bean bag chair.]()
Tundra Adventurers
Fifth graders get to study the tundra within their own separate cabin as the big kids on campus. To celebrate their achievements, at the end of the year families are invited to tour Denali National Park with us in Alaska.
