Green Adventure Project School | Charlottesville, VA

Reimagine what school can be.

At Green Adventure Project School, learning doesn’t happen between four walls.

It happens on trails, around campfires, in deep conversation, through meaningful projects, and in the messy, joyful work of discovery.

Green Adventure Project School is an independent K–8 school in Charlottesville, Virginia, where inquiry, academic rigor, nature connection, and hands-on learning come together to create something truly different.

We are seeking an exceptional 5th/6th Grade Educator to lead a mixed-age upper elementary cohort for the 2026–2027 school year.

This is an opportunity for an experienced educator who believes strong relationships, meaningful academic work, and authentic learning experiences belong at the heart of school.

About GAP

Green Adventure Project School provides hands-on learning and transformative experiences that develop responsible citizens and foster a lifelong commitment to stewardship and sustainability.

Our learners spend their days asking thoughtful questions, engaging in interdisciplinary academic work, solving real-world problems, collaborating across age groups, and building confidence in the natural world.

Our educators are trusted professionals who design meaningful learning experiences, balance structure with flexibility, and deeply know their learners.

The Role

The 5th/6th Grade Educator will:

• Design and facilitate engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences
• Deliver strong academic instruction aligned with Virginia SOLs (science aligned with NGSS where appropriate)
• Differentiate instruction to meet a wide range of learners
• Build a connected, inclusive classroom community
• Support social-emotional growth and executive functioning development
• Guide long-term interdisciplinary projects and authentic public presentations
• Communicate clearly and professionally with families
• Collaborate closely with fellow educators in a highly team-oriented environment
• Teach outdoors daily in a variety of weather conditions

While our setting is unconventional, our commitment to excellent teaching is not.

Who You Are

You are an educator who:

• Has demonstrated classroom teaching experience (upper elementary or middle school strongly preferred)
• Understands curriculum design, assessment, differentiation, and learning progressions
• Builds warm, structured, well-managed learning environments
• Values inquiry, curiosity, and student agency alongside academic growth
• Is energized by the developmental stage of 10–12 year olds
• Is reflective, collaborative, adaptable, and grounded
• Communicates confidently with families and colleagues
• Feels comfortable working outdoors year-round
• Brings creativity, resilience, professionalism, and a sense of humor

Particularly strong candidates may have experience with:

• Independent schools
• Project-based or inquiry-based learning
• Experiential or outdoor education
• Mixed-age classrooms
• Neurodiverse learners
• Standards-based assessment

About Green Adventure Project School

Green Adventure Project School (GAP School) is an independent K–8 school in Charlottesville, Virginia, where academic rigor, inquiry, and nature connection come together to create meaningful learning experiences. Founded on the belief that children learn best through curiosity, authentic challenge, and hands-on engagement, GAP provides transformative educational experiences that develop responsible citizens and foster a lifelong commitment to stewardship and sustainability. Our learners spend their days asking thoughtful questions, engaging in interdisciplinary academic work, collaborating across age groups, solving real-world problems, and building confidence both in and beyond the classroom. While our setting is unconventional, our expectations for excellent teaching, strong relationships, and meaningful academic growth are high. At GAP School, educators are trusted professionals. We value creativity, reflection, collaboration, and a deep understanding of child development. Our teachers design engaging learning experiences aligned with Virginia Standards of Learning, support diverse learners, communicate closely with families, and help shape the evolving life of our school. ... Our outdoor campus and inquiry-based model create a dynamic environment where children are encouraged to take appropriate risks, think critically, build resilience, and develop lasting connections with the natural world and one another. For educators seeking a professional home that values both innovation and strong teaching practice, GAP offers the opportunity to help reimagine what school can be.

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Connections working at Green Adventure Project School