Primary School

Children love to learn and Marylhurst fuels that excitement. In keeping with the progressive underpinnings of our school, Marylhurst teachers foster the intellectual, creative, social, and physical development of the whole child. We respect different developmental stages and honor the process of moving from one to another, meeting each child where they are in their learning journey.

Marylhurst emphasizes hands-on learning based on current understandings of how children’s brains work. Broad units of study offer opportunities for exploration of the literature, art, science, history, and music relating to them. Students develop a holistic understanding of the topics they are learning. Field trips connect classroom lessons to the rich cultural offerings in the Portland metro area.

In grades K-5, students are in multi-age classrooms to meet social as well as academic needs. Just as academic readiness varies among individuals, social needs vary from year to year. Students typically stay with the same teacher for two years, benefiting from continuity and the dual experience of being both the younger and older child in the class, serving as mentee and mentor among peers.