Our curriculum is project and theme based and evolves organically with the age, interests, and needs of our students.  The kids choose unit topics by vote, and that topic serves as a jumping off point from which a broad array of learning activities spring. While traditional subject matters are covered (language arts, math, science, social studies), they are not treated as discrete, unrelated units. You can explore our math curriculum, called Math-U-See, by clicking here. 

The role of mentors at FTGU is to help kids find resources, provide appropriate materials, share knowledge we have acquired over the years, ask questions, and then get out of the way!  Rigor and direction of study is assessed via an ongoing portfolio and self-reflection collaboratively compiled by student and teacher. No shallow thinking or shallow assessments allowed here! Portfolios are presented to parents at the end of each semester.

In addition, at the end of each unit the kids plan an interactive presentation to show the community what they've learned. To culminate our Medieval Times unit we hosted a Medieval Festival, complete with costumes, dancing, a life-size medieval ship, and a duct tape sword battle tournament! 

We incorporate a variety of field trips into our learning. We are outside often and take advantage of local resources such as the library, local theater, museums, historical landmarks, and state parks.