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In our cross-divisional collaborations, children practice collaboration, negotiation, and communication. They learn to adapt their thinking depending on who they are working with — an essential executive function skill. Academically, children often demonstrate a deeper understanding when teaching concepts to others. Socially and emotionally, they build a broader sense of community and belonging.

Kids-N-Clay

The Middle School art classes invite children from our Beginning School 4–5 classroom to imagine and tell the story of a monster they have created. Each child begins by drawing their monster and sharing its characteristics, personality, and narrative. Middle School students then translate these two-dimensional drawings into three-dimensional clay sculptures, carefully interpreting the details and intentions of the original design.

Throughout the process, Beginning School children engage in an iterative feedback cycle — observing the clay version, offering reflections, and clarifying their vision. This collaborative exchange continues until the sculpture closely matches what the young creator imagined. At the end of the year, the Middle School students formally present each completed monster to its creator, celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the meaningful partnership formed across ages.

Forest Mapping

When the fourth grade teachers wanted to deepen their understanding of the forest trails — an area where our Beginning School children are true experts — they invited the Spruce classroom to collaborate on creating a campus trail map. Our youngest learners began by guiding the fourth graders through the trails, sharing beloved spaces and offering insight into the flora and fauna that inhabit the area.

Through this partnership, children engaged in research, observation, and dialogue across ages, each contributing their unique knowledge and perspective. The collaboration culminated in the creation of a campus trail map that can now be used by visitors, alumni, teachers, and families — a meaningful artifact that reflects shared inquiry, community connection, and the expertise of our youngest explorers.

Babysitting Elective

The Middle School Babysitting elective spends one or two days each year immersed in our Beginning School classrooms. During this time, students learn about early childhood development by observing how young children think, play, and interact. They ask questions, build comfort and confidence in engaging with younger learners, and gain firsthand experience in responsive caregiving.

For many of these middle school students — who are Beginning School alumni — this experience is especially meaningful. It offers an opportunity to reconnect with beloved teachers, reflect on their own preschool memories, and form new relationships with our youngest learners.