Project-Based Learning
We believe in project-based, child-centred learning. Students gain deeper knowledge through exploration, real-world challenges and problem solving.
Alternative & progressive K–9 · Edmonton Public Schools
Caraway Learning Community
Caraway follows the Edmonton Public School Board schedule. What makes us different is how we deliver the materials: project-based, hands-on and in multi-age classrooms.
21st-century learning focuses on the 4 C's, and Caraway builds on these foundations.
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
Since 1973How we learn
Creative risk-takers for a rapidly changing world
We cover the big ideas of the curriculum through projects, hands-on work and multi-age classrooms, with particular attention to social-emotional learning. Our students develop passion and a sense of global responsibility.
Hands-on Learning
Like all animals, children explore their world with their whole bodies. Meaningful activities bring the curriculum to life and engage the mind as well as the senses.
Our classes
Social/Emotional Learning
Alongside academic skills, we help students grow emotionally and socially. Emotional intelligence helps children take responsibility for their own behaviour, feel empathy and dare to care for others.
Democratic Process
Students and staff work together democratically, and every individual is respected. Groups make decisions and solve problems together, so students feel responsible for the classroom. Through a social justice lens, they learn to be advocates and co-creators in the wider world.
Forest School
Nature builds connection to the land, resilience, problem solving, collaboration and healthy risk-taking. Through land-based learning, our affiliated rescue farm, nature-based storytelling and Indigenous Ways of Knowing, students learn about Treaty People, Truth and Reconciliation and the land they live and learn on.
Social Justice
We work together to build a safe, cooperative and dynamic place for children to grow. A culture of social justice and equity creates a better future for our students, our community and the wider world.
Parent involvement
Families are the cornerstone
Parental involvement is a cornerstone of the Caraway program. When parents take a real part in their children's schooling, they understand their child better. Parents' knowledge, skills, hobbies and experiences also broaden the school environment.
Families actively support the school, staff and students, which breaks down the traditional barrier between home and school.
What involvement looks likeLife-long learning
Learning how to learn
Wonder and agency are the keys to lifelong learning. At every age, learners ask questions and look for their own answers.
Caraway helps each child discover their potential and creativity. When students learn how to learn through their own curiosity and initiative, they bring that curiosity to every part of life, not only school.
Multi-age classrooms
Leaders, mentors and small classes
Caraway does not use the standard one-grade-per-classroom structure. Each classroom spans at least three grade levels, so students act as leaders and mentors and compete less. Classes stay small, and we treat each child as an individual with unique gifts and challenges. The mix of grades in each room can change from year to year.
Purple Room
Our youngest learners, in kindergarten and grade one.
Meet the room
"The Tangellows"
Tangerine & Yellow Room
Students begin to own their education and become mentors for younger kids.
Meet the room
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.
Meet the room
Studio space
Red Room
Students reaching their teen years build connection, leadership and global citizenship.
Meet the roomLife at Caraway
Curious, outdoors and hands-on
In their words
On learning
“True learning—learning that is permanent and useful, that leads to intelligent action and further learning—can arise only out of the experience, interest, and concerns of the learner.”
“I love that Caraway has fostered my kids' creativity and social activism while teaching strong critical thinking skills!”
“When children move and play freely in activities responsibly undertaken on their own, they experience opportunities to learn which cannot be simulated and for which there is no substitute.”
Is Caraway a fit for your family?
Read about our story and philosophy, browse the FAQ, or get in touch. We're happy to help.