Academics | Metropolitan Open Sc

The Power of Mixed-Age Learning

At MOS, mixed-age classrooms foster a learning environment that mirrors real life, where people of different ages work and grow together. This approach recognizes that children develop socially, physically, and intellectually at different rates, making chronological age an imperfect measure of ability. In our classrooms, younger and older students collaborate daily—reading together, playing math games, or assisting with practical tasks—building skills, confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility. Teaching and helping peers is not “busy work” but an essential part of learning, allowing students to deepen their understanding while contributing meaningfully to the community. By encouraging cooperation across ages, MOS prepares children for life beyond school, where diverse collaboration is the norm.

Our Curriculum

At our school, learning is dynamic, student-centered, and rooted in real-world exploration. Below is a snapshot of how we approach core academic areas, blending structure with student choice:

Science

This year’s student-selected focus is astronomy and astrophysics, bridging ancient astronomy and modern discoveries. To understand how we map the cosmos, students study the solar system, asterisms, constellations, and galaxies Their journey includes learning about electromagnetic radiation, heat transfer, and the birth, life, and death of stars, including black holes. Students explore these complex topics through exploration, experimentation, and observation.

Social Studies

During the 25-26 school year, students respectfully explore the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island prior to 1492, rethinking accepted histories through the eyes of the continent’s first people. Utilizing maps and atlases, we navigate eight geographic regions rather than modern political borders to understand how environment shaped culture. By examining Indigenous art and literature from a fresh perspective, students gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant lives and enduring legacies of these diverse nations.

Mathematics

Math at our school is creative, collaborative, and deeply personal. We encourage students to create their own problem-solving strategies, helping them build number sense and confidence. From introductory math through Algebra II, our flexible approach allows us to tailor learning to each student. We introduce algebraic thinking early—integrating patterns, logic, and reasoning—so students develop fluency over time without pressure.

Spanish

Language learning is joyful and active. In Spanish, students engage in games and vocabulary-building activities that bring the language to life and support long-term retention.

Literature & Writing

Students at MOS are readers and writers every day. They can choose their own books, sparking engagement and ownership over their learning. Throughout the year, each student publishes a book, writes a research paper, contributes to our annual Holiday Magazine, and keeps science and daily journals. Students also reflect on their growth through an end-of-year written self-evaluation. Our writing process places a strong emphasis on editing and revision, which become natural and empowering ways to improve skills and express ideas clearly.

Drama

Each year, students participate in a drama production, often tied to a holiday theme. From script development to stage performance, every child has a role to play—building confidence, collaboration, and a strong sense of community.

Woodworking

Our woodworking program is a student favorite. In recent years, students have become remarkably prolific, crafting everything from benches and birdhouses to tool caddies and chairs. This hands-on work builds fine motor skills, patience, and pride in craftsmanship.

Field Trips

Exploration extends far beyond the classroom. Nearly every week, students head out into the community—to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Science Museum of Minnesota, local theater productions, the Minnesota History Center, and more. These trips connect classroom learning to the real world in meaningful, memorable ways.

Dance

Weekly dance classes provide joyful movement, exercise, and an opportunity to develop spatial awareness and rhythm. These sessions are fun, high-energy, and accessible for all levels.

Cooking

Students regularly participate in cooking activities that tie into classroom themes, cultural studies, or seasonal events. These experiences build practical life skills, teamwork, and an appreciation for good food.

Annual Camping Trip

One of the most anticipated events of the year is our annual two-day camping trip to a Minnesota park. This beloved tradition is a time for students to bond, explore nature, and create lasting memories together. Our enrichment programs allow students to stretch, explore, and express themselves in ways that traditional academics alone can’t provide. They leave each day a little more confident, capable, and connected—to themselves, their classmates, and the world around them.

Art

Art at our school is both expressive and interdisciplinary. Students work on individual pieces and collaborative projects. Last year, they designed and created the full set for the holiday drama—an incredible fusion of visual arts, design, and storytelling.

Music

Music is part of everyday life here. Students sing, play bells, and explore rhythm and sound. Music is often integrated into other programs, especially drama and holiday performances.

Alumni testimonials

David Carp

I’ve always been a self-starter, and MOS nurtured that natural curiosity and initiative. The school helped me develop independent projects from an early age at school—like starting my own stock corporation at 12, creating certificates, selling shares to fellow students, and distributing profits based on ownership. I recently rediscovered the records of this project after 40 years, a vivid reminder of the lessons I learned.

MOS also helped shape my career path. In a class called Careers at age ten, I wrote to a car company to explore becoming a designer. Their respectful and informative response inspired me to pursue car design—a dream I eventually realized. Later, I was able to support a student who followed a similar path and became a valued colleague. The freedom to explore, create, and pursue meaningful projects at MOS profoundly influenced my development. Today, I’m fortunate to work for a company that gives me the same freedom to innovate—something I might not have experienced elsewhere.

Akshata Moorthy

My experience at MOS truly has shaped the student and person I am today. As a junior in college now, I still feel like the love for learning that was instilled in me at MOS during my early education continues to impact me. I want to thank Miss Ruth and all the educators that made my elementary education so special.