Elementary
Each Tucker Maxon elementary classroom offers a personalized, integrated curriculum based on Oregon’s Common Core State Standards.
Tucker Maxon places an emphasis on strong communication and critical thinking integrating science and social studies into rich, student-driven projects throughout the year. Elementary classes weave math, reading, writing and spelling into all areas of learning. Students from PreK to 5th grade visit the school library often, participate in music classes and physical education (PE).
Our elementary classroom teachers have completed specialized training in the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading pedagogy through NW Dyslexia Resources. This training helps teachers use proven, hands-on strategies to teach letters and sounds in a clear and engaging way.
What does this mean for your child? It means every student is building a strong foundation in phonological awareness—the ability to hear and work with sounds in words. This is one of the most important skills for learning to read and write successfully.
With this approach to teaching literacy, teachers can better support all learners, including students who may need extra help, so every child has the opportunity to grow as a confident reader and writer.
Our small class sizes have a maximum of 12 to 14 students each, and include both typical hearing students and students who are deaf or hard of hearing. All children receive strong support from classroom teachers, educational assistants, and volunteers in individual, small- and large-group activities. Each Elementary classroom offers:
- Small class sizes with an 8:1 Student:Teacher ratio, which allows each student to receive the personalized instruction they need.
- A sound-field system, to assist students in hearing the teacher’s voice — thought to improve literacy development in children.
- Access to a licensed teacher of the deaf or hard of hearing, on-site speech-language pathology, and on-site audiology services for children with hearing loss.
Elementary School Amenities
- Physical education in a full-sized gymnasium, complete with a climbing wall.
- Music classes, including choir and instrument exploration.
- Art classes focus on self-expression using a variety of different media.
- Large on-campus playground
- Access to our nature area: including garden exploration, and caring for our goats.
- Students are formally assessed for progress in math and literacy each trimester using the MAP Growth assessment. Teachers meet with parents twice per year for conferences.
- Access to Extended care before and after school (additional cost).
