Our Approach
At Beat Roots Academy, every child is seen, supported and expected to soar.
Connect > Include > Teach
Connect
At Beat Roots, we know that meaningful learning starts with meaningful connection, and we intentionally start here. Children must feel safe, seen and supported, to engage at their best. What that means for each child is different! Working closely with parents and students, we take time to understand every child’s unique strengths and needs. Through loving, attuned, and responsive relationships, and using trauma-informed practices, our teachers build the trust students need to risk asking questions, sharing ideas and making mistakes necessary to the learning process.
The importance we place on connection first is supported by neuroscience and inspired by the work of Dr. Connie Lillas and Dr. Mona Delahooke.
Include
At Beat Roots, inclusion means every child belongs—and every child gets what they need to thrive. Children of diverse abilities, identities, and learning styles are seen, valued, and supported to learn together. Through our “connection first” approach, flexible teaching, whole-child support, and small size, we are designed to deliver on this vision.
Our commitment to inclusion is grounded in both values and outcomes. Our students develop open, empathetic minds and the skills to connect across differences— critical to engage with and impact the world around them.
Data shows inclusive learning environments don’t just benefit some students—they improve social, emotional and academic outcomes for all.
Teach
At Beat Roots Academy, we create a dynamic learning environment that is personalized, inclusive, and rooted in joy. We blend proven academic practices with creativity, flexibility, and whole-child support. Teachers meet every child with high expectations and tailor learning so that each is appropriately challenged and deeply engaged. Students develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity to become lifelong learners.
High Expectations
We believe every child is capable of greatness - and we infuse this mindset into our teaching and culture.
We presume competence. Every child is capable of deep thinking, growth, and meaningful contribution.
The sky is the limit. Every student is supported and expected to grow to their full potential.
Excellence is for everyone. Inclusion and high standards go hand in hand. Through differentiated instruction we create a learning environment that is both challenging and flexible.
Go beyond the standards. Our instruction aligns with State standards—but isn’t limited by them. We design learning experiences that foster deeper exploration, creativity, and real-world relevance.
Whole-Child Centered
We nurture the whole child—mind, body, and emotions - recognizing that children learn best when their mental, physical, and emotional needs are met. Our trauma-informed, connection first approach ensures every student feels safe, seen, and supported.
Social-emotional learning embedded daily to help children build self-awareness, empathy, and strong relationships.
Teachers attuned to students’ nervous system cues—supporting comfort, regulation, and readiness to learn.
Movement and play woven throughout the day to boost focus, emotional regulation, and brain function.
Reflection and choice to foster independence and ownership.
Growth mindset—teaching children that effort, persistence, and learning from mistakes help them grow.
Holistic Assessment
We use a variety of tools to understand each student’s growth, including: teacher observations and narrative feedback, student work samples, self-reflection and goal setting, and clear, supportive rubrics that include social-emotional development.
Individual and Collaborative Learning
Our small group and one-on-one structures allow for differentiated instruction while building strong peer relationships and collaboration skills. Working in groups of mixed ages and abilities, students enhance their creativity, problem solving skills, and empathy.
Joyful and Strengths-Based
We believe children are most motivated when learning is fun, engaging, and personally meaningful. Our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and celebrate student voice. Our strengths-based approach ensures children are growing their self-confidence every step of the way.
Personalized learning goals that build on each child’s strengths and interests.
Project-Based and Inquiry-Driven. Students engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary projects that are often inspired by their own questions and interests. Teachers model curiosity and guide students through meaningful, inquiry-based learning.
Mastery-Based Skill Building. In core subjects like math, reading, and phonics, students progress at their own pace using carefully selected, research-backed curricula. We focus on finding the “just right” challenge for each child, helping them build deep understanding and self-confidence.