Frequently Asked Questions

Our school year will begin after Labor Day, and closely mirror the Cape Elizabeth Public School system, including the observance of February and April Vacation Weeks.

Our Elementary program runs Monday through Friday, from approximately 8:30am to 3pm. There is a half day Kindergarten option available beginning in 2023.

If you are seeking a partial day or playgroup-style program, we invite you to explore our Community Studio programs.

Please refer to the detailed enrollment costs and schedule here.

As much as possible! Both programs have ample time outdoors, rain or shine, built into the schedule everyday. Outside of that, any and all parts of our day may take place outdoors. With this in mind, proper outdoor gear will be important to ensuring your child has a positive experience learning and playing in the elements. You will be provided with a gear list at the start of each season.

Yes! While we are subject to current health and safety protocols that may limit parent involvement in the classroom it is our goal to include regular volunteer opportunities, seasonal school events designed to create community, and off-campus field expeditions.

Our mixed age Elementary classroom has a maximum of 14 students, providing a teacher-student ratio of 1:7 or better. This small size allows for flexibility in the field, and the ability to facilitate a safe, flexible, and productive learning community.

As part of our commitment to diversity, Roots welcomes students with a variety of learning styles and strengths. Many of the things that make Roots unique - like small class sizes and individualized and project based learning - can help provide students with the attention and adjustments they need to succeed.

In an effort to make our school accessible, we maintain two dedicated rooms where students are able to work with outside specialists provided through additional cost or insurance, like an OT or Speech Therapist, while remaining on campus.

It is important to note that Roots is not a therapeutic school or equipped to provide extended 1:1 support.

More information is generally helpful when deciding if Roots is the right fit for your family. During the admissions process, we may ask applicants on a case-by-case basis for any relevant testing, evaluations and IEPs.

We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.

Roots Academy's Commitment to Intentional Tech Use

At Roots Academy, we believe that early and middle childhood are crucial stages for hands-on, experiential learning. We maintain a low to no tech environment to prioritize face-to-face interactions, outdoor exploration, and creative play. Research shows that minimizing screen time during these formative years fosters critical thinking, social skills, and emotional well-being. While we limit technology use, we intentionally incorporate it where appropriate to enhance learning and support educational goals. Our approach encourages students to engage deeply with the world around them, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth. At Roots, we are dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals who thrive with balanced tech use.