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Liberal arts for all

We are a K-12 charter public school rooted in the liberal arts, dedicated to the pursuit of learning for its own sake in all subject areas. We believe all students deserve to be part of "the great conversation" that has endured for centuries, and that, with their participation, will last into the future.

Students dressed up for fourth-grade Medieval Curricular Day

Student and teacher discussing Project Week project

Community of Learners

We believe learning happens best in a community. Students at MacLaren learn to question, propose solutions, and deepen their understanding together in mutual respect. They come to see that they learn better with others than alone.

The Arts

At MacLaren, arts are not electives or specials. All students are immersed in creating beauty daily, be it in studio art, art history, Kodály choir, orchestra, or drama.

Athletics and Clubs

Highlanders bring their pursuit of excellence to the court and field.

Our clubs and sports programs offer venues to pursue wonder and excellence for its own sake, whether it’s learning the art of photography or how to shoot a basket.

Upcoming Events

All Day

October14

Lower School In-service - No Lower School Classes

All Day

October15

Lower School Parent-Teacher Conferences - No Classes

All Day

October16

Upper School In-service - No Upper School Classes

All Day

October17

Fall Break - No Classes

MacLaren Library

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The Importance of Reading Original Texts

Posted on 9/23/2024

At MacLaren, a hallmark of our K-12 curriculum is an emphasis on reading original texts. By original texts, we mean original works of literature, not summaries, abridged versions, or versions that have been altered in order to be easier to read. We also mean primary source documents from history. Reading original texts is indeed the central focus of our Humane Letters courses, but students in every grade are introduced to original texts ...

The Great Conversation: Roosevelt Montás's Argument for the Liberal Arts

Posted on 9/09/2024

The Great Conversation is a monthly post featuring contributions from MacLaren's faculty. This month, Mrs. Rector shares thoughts about Roosevelt Montas's book "Rescuing Socrates" and his arguments supporting a liberal arts education. ...

Culture of Error: A Springboard to Deeper Inquiry

Posted on 5/15/2024

You will often hear the term “a culture of error”* used in MacLaren’s classrooms. Creating a culture of error might seem surprising and even counterintuitive given the emphasis we also place on excellence and growth. But these ideas are closely related. At MacLaren, we attempt to create a culture in which students feel that it is safe to struggle and see the growth and improved understanding that result. ...

Single-Track Curriculum: A Rich Education for All

Posted on 3/19/2024

MacLaren’s K-12 curriculum is sequenced and single-track. This means that all students in the school take the same classes and are not tracked by ability. This also means that students do not take elective classes other than modern language courses in tenth through twelfth grade. There are many reasons for this approach. One is that it ensures basic ordered knowledge; a sequenced curriculum allows students to grow in sequenced skills i ...

Kindergarten: Ready? Get set. Go!

Posted on 3/05/2024

Each fall, a new wave of MacLaren’s youngest students arrive on campus, wide-eyed and excited for the adventures ahead. There is perhaps no other academic year in which students make such a big leap in physical, social-emotional, and language skills than in Kindergarten. There are many ways parents and guardians can help prepare their children for a smooth transition into this important year. ...

The Great Conversation: Complicated Translations of The Odyssey

Posted on 2/19/2024

The Great Conversation is a monthly post featuring contributions from MacLaren's faculty. This month, Mr. LaBadie shares thoughts about the complicated translations of The Odyssey. ...

"One of the best decisions we have made for our children’s education is sending them to Thomas MacLaren School. The curriculum, though rigorous, is preparing our children, not only for college, but a lifetime of knowledge and character. This school offers every student a well-rounded liberal arts education, challenging each student to do their best and be their best." - Sharon T., parent