Elements Academy
cozy — flexible — unique
Space to Be yourself
Elements is small by design, centered around connection, and built on the idea that who we are matters more than what we know.
Our multi-age program has up to 12 students with at least 2 teachers. That means we actually know the kids. Like, really know them. What lights them up or stresses them out. What they’re avoiding or ready for more of. What makes them belly-laugh and what they could talk about for hours. We know the difference between what they say and what they’re trying to say.
We offer full-time and part-time options so families can find what works for them. We are a state-approved private school for kids who attend full time.
Our community tends to attract kids who are curious, creative, thoughtful, quirky, and very much uniquely themselves. They’re each finding their own way, and we’re here to help them explore where their path might lead.
We go places. A lot. We’re located in the Monatiquot School building in Braintree, with plenty of indoor and outdoor space we’ve cozified. But we don’t spend all of our time there. Museums. Parks. Libraries. Local businesses. Nature. Grocery stores. Wherever something interesting is happening. Sometimes the outing connects directly to something we’re studying. Sometimes it starts something new. And sometimes we just need to change the scenery.
Learning doesn’t only happen inside a classroom. So neither do we.
Multi-Age Classroom | Ages 7-18
What is a typical day like?
A day has rhythm, not rigidity
Kids arrive and settle in however they need to. Some read. Some eat. Some chat. Some move.
We come together for a morning check-in and make a plan for the day.
There’s usually a long stretch of individual learning time, when each child works toward goals they’ve set with their teachers and family — unless we’ve decided to hit the road for the day.
Later, we eat, spend a long chunk of time outside, and usually move into shared project work in the afternoon.
There’s structure. But nobody is expected to move through the day in exactly the same way.
How does learning work?
Kids learn across seven domains: math, language arts, science, history, wellness, community, and the arts — and this happens in a way that works for them.
We don’t expect any two children to be in the same place at the same time. Trust me, after 15 years in traditional schools, this is not the goal.
A child might fly through one subject and struggle in another. They might fly through everything one day, and the next be really tired and need more space.
We use academic frameworks and benchmarks as reference points. They are not the timeline. They are not the ceiling. And they are not the reason for learning.
We care about whether kids can ask for help, work through frustration, set a goal, change direction, and stay curious.
All seven domains are equally valued.
what does multi-age actually mean?
Mostly, it means kids of different ages share a life together.
And yes — 7-year-olds and 12-year-olds can actually be friends.
Not because the older kid is being nice to the younger one.
Because age is only one part of compatibility.
Kids often connect more deeply through shared interests, humor, sensitivity, energy, or the way they see the world than through being born in the same year.
Some kids jump right into the group.
Some hang back.
Some want one close friend.
Some like being around people without necessarily interacting much.
However they choose to connect is okay with us — as long as it’s kind!
HOW MUCH FREEDOM DO THEY REALLY HAVE?
A lot.
Most of what happens here is invitation-based.
Kids can opt in. They can opt out. They can engage in another way.
But freedom doesn’t mean adults stop paying attention.
If a child starts opting out of everything for days at a time, we don’t shrug and say, “Oh, well!”
We get curious. Are they bored? Overwhelmed? Confused? Hungry? Disconnected? Do they need more challenge? Less pressure? A different approach?
And yes, there are still boundaries.
When the group goes outside, everyone goes outside.
When someone needs quiet to focus, other people can’t scream-play a board game next to them.
It’s freedom inside an intentional community. Not Lord of the Flies.
ELEMENTS ACADEMY AT A GLANCE
Ages: 7–18
Group size: Up to 12 students
Teachers: At least 2
Location: Braintree, MA
Schedule: Full-time or part-time, Monday–Thursday
Tuition: $7,900 - $29,500 depending on schedule
Think your child might feel at home here?
Take the quiz to see!
STILL WONDERING ABOUT SOMETHING?
Choosing a school comes with a lot of questions. Read our FAQs
And if you’d rather just talk to a human, we’re always happy to connect.
hello@elementsacademy.org
617-276-2818