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

    Fiona Harpole

    Middle School Teacher

    Fiona brings three years of teaching experience in multi-age classroom settings to the Learning Academy, where she has developed a deep commitment to student-centered, experiential learning. She firmly believes that the world around us is the best classroom and aims to cultivate a sense of wonder within her students. 

    Raised in Boise, Fiona earned her Bachelor of Science in K-8 Education from Northern Arizona University in 2022 and spent her early years as an educator in Phoenix, Arizona. Fiona is dedicated to fostering both curiosity and critical thinking in her students while building a positive classroom community where every learner feels a genuine sense of belonging and value.  Beyond the classroom, Fiona is a passionate outdoorswoman, artist, and avid traveler whose diverse interests deeply inform her instructional practice. 

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    2026-27 Enrollment 

    Welcome to The Learning Academy of Teton Valley! We are honored that you are considering our school for your child’s educational journey. Located in Driggs, Idaho, our campus serves students from preschool through eighth grade and offers a nature-based, individualized learning environment where children are encouraged to explore, create, and grow at their own pace.

    At The Learning Academy, we believe every child is unique. Our educators are committed to meeting learners where they are, accommodating diverse learning styles, and providing thoughtful support so each student feels seen, valued, and capable. We strive to create a safe, nurturing space where curiosity is celebrated, creativity is encouraged, and children feel confident taking academic and personal risks.

    Hands-on learning, meaningful relationships, and time spent outdoors are central to our approach. Just as important as academic growth is the development of strong character, healthy relationships, and emotional well-being. We intentionally model and teach kindness, responsibility, empathy, and respect—values that help students thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

    We warmly invite you to explore our campus, experience our community, and see firsthand how The Learning Academy supports the whole child. Please reach out with any questions or to schedule a tour. We look forward to welcoming your family and partnering with you in your child’s education.

    inquiries can be made by contacting our office

    The Learning Academy

    Email

    admissions@learningacademyschool.com

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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: 3:00pm-5:00pm

    Address

    1480 South 500 West
    Driggs,     Idaho 83422

    Email

    office@learningacademyschool.com

    Phone

    (208) 354-7898

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