Upper School 

 

Tracks Five through Eight 

Welcome to Our Upper School Classes

Tracks Five through Eight

Our Upper School program supports students through the transformative middle school years by providing a rich, challenging, and nurturing environment. In Tracks Five through Eight, learning is inquiry-driven, hands-on, and deeply connected to the world around them. With growing independence, students engage in increasingly complex concepts, develop their personal voice, and learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and approach challenges with interest and confidence.

Through real-world projects, outdoor learning, and integrated subject areas, students continue to grow academically, socially, and emotionally — becoming thoughtful, capable learners and compassionate members of their community.

Language Arts

Language Arts in the Upper School builds upon foundational literacy to deepen students’ abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students explore grammar, spelling, and writing conventions alongside creative and analytical writing. A strong emphasis is placed on descriptive writing, genre exploration, and developing a personal writing voice.

They read classic literature, compose poetry, conduct interviews, and engage in both fiction and nonfiction writing, building fluency and confidence in communication.

In practice:
• Authoring hardcover nonfiction books
• Tooling leather-bound pioneer journals for historical writing
• Writing and performing original poetry
• Composing biographies, essays, and procedural writing
• Participating in public speaking, interviews, and recitations

    Science & Social Studies

    In Upper School, science and social studies are taught through an integrated, experiential lens. Students explore global history, geography, civics, and current events alongside life science, physical science, and environmental studies. The curriculum encourages students to ask questions, form hypotheses, conduct research, and engage in critical discussions about the world.

    Topics include ancient civilizations, American and Idaho history, global cultures, ecosystems, the human body, genetics, chemistry, geology, and astronomy.

    In practice:
    • Building native shelters and early civilization models
    • Researching and presenting on countries and cultures (including traditional cooking)
    • Stream studies with water testing and macroinvertebrate collection
    • Soil and geology explorations
    • Creating human body models and conducting biology experiments
    • Debating globalization and discussing current events
    • Acting out scientific concepts, like neurotransmitter functions or chemical changes

    Mathematics

    Mathematics instruction in the Upper School helps students build confidence in problem-solving and logical thinking. Concepts grow in complexity and abstraction, with an emphasis on application, reasoning, and real-world relevance. Students explore algebraic thinking, geometry, and numerical relationships through hands-on experiences and collaborative work.

    Key concepts include decimals, mixed numbers, percentages, ratios, proportions, equations, and geometric reasoning.

    In practice:
    • Cooking and baking with fractions, conversions, and scaling
    • Budgeting and fundraising projects
    • Designing and building models and structures
    • Applying mathematical reasoning to everyday decision-making

    Arts

    Art in the Upper School becomes a deeper exploration of both technique and self-expression. Students work with a variety of materials and processes, developing their artistic voice while connecting creative work to personal identity, culture, and academic subjects.

    In practice:
    • Felting, batik, and textile arts
    • Clay and paper sculpture, block printing, and mask making
    • Watercolor, acrylic painting, collage, and charcoal drawing
    • Still life studies and integrated projects with history, literature, and nature

    Enrichment & Outdoor Education

    A wide variety of enrichment opportunities supports the whole child and encourages students to explore their passions, develop new skills, and build confidence. Many enrichment activities also take place outdoors, connecting students with the natural world through movement and hands-on learning.

    Offerings include:
    • Physical Education
    • Drama and Performing Arts
    • Spanish Language
    • Culinary Arts and Nutrition
    • Mindfulness and Wellness
    • Technology Integration
    • Skiing and Snowboarding
    • Ice Skating, Swimming, Hiking, and Biking

    Expeditions

    Monthly off-campus field trips and outdoor excursions extend learning beyond the classroom. These experiences allow students to connect with nature, practice real-world skills, and explore academic content in immersive, engaging ways.

    Each school year culminates in a weeklong class trip to a U.S. destination, designed to reinforce classroom learning, foster independence, and create lasting memories.

    Meet Our Teacher

    Kristin Johnson

    Director & Middle School Teacher

    Kristin Johnson brings over 25 years of experience in education to her dual role as Director and Middle School Teacher at The Learning Academy of Teton Valley. Now entering her 21st year at the school, Kristin joins Dani in being a cornerstone of the LATV community—known for her approachable leadership and unwavering dedication to helping students develop into their best selves.

    Kristin appreciates and understands the dynamic world of middle school education. She thrives on the energy, honesty, and lovable quirks that define this unique age group. Whether she’s leading a classroom discussion, creating exciting thematic curriculum, planning engaging project-based learning experiences, organizing off-campus adventures, or simply sharing a laugh, she brings humor, heart, and a deep respect for the immense growth that happens during the middle school years. Her yurt classroom is a space where students feel safe being themselves and where they are encouraged to work hard, be curious, and care deeply about each other and the world around them.

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    Upcoming Events

    10 Mar
    10 Mar 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    Ice Skating

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    17 Mar
    17 Mar 2026 All day

    St. Patty’s Day

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    18 Mar
    18 Mar 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    Ice Skating

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    20 Mar
    20 Mar 2026 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Pajama Day

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    23 Mar
    23 Mar - 03 Apr 2026 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Spring Break

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    09 Apr
    09 Apr 2026 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

    Art Show

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    Early Childhood

    Our Preschool classes offer a creative early learning environment for young children, ages 2-5.

    Lower School

    Transitional kindergarten through track four students focus on enhancement of reading, writing and conventions, spelling skills, math concepts, science, geography, and exploration of the world around them.

    Upper School 

    Tracks five through eight delve deeply into all subject areas with a focus on independence, critical thinking, and doing one’s best work.

    The Farm 

    Our farm-to-school approach fosters curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to the environment while reinforcing the Academy’s mission to nurture well-rounded, engaged learners.

    Our Instructors

    We choose our teachers at The Learning Academy of Teton Valley for their passion, expertise, and commitment to fostering a nurturing and inspiring learning environment.

    school hours

    M-F: 8am – 3:00pm
    Aftercare: 3:15pm-5:30pm

    Address

    1480 South 500 West
    Driggs,     Idaho 83422

    Email

    office@learningacademyschool.com

    Phone

    (208) 354-7898

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    School

    Early Childhood
    Lower School
    Upper School
    The Farm

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