The philosophy of Mary Meyer School is that children learn through play and learn by doing. Via art projects, singing games, storytelling, group activities and dramatic play, teachers work to create an environment where children are engaged and where they feel comfortable and confident.

Although there is surprise and spontaneity in every day, there is also a dependable structure that is reassuring to the children. Each school day is organized to include a stretch of free play; a convivial group conversation called "rug time"; a period for children to carry out daily jobs, like serving as the “comforter” for children who need cheering up or recording the activities of the day in the classroom journal; a time for independent book time and then an engaging teacher read story; sitting down together for a nutritious snack; and of course playing outside in the school’s enclosed playgarden.

While all of the play-based activities are designed to be appropriate to the general age of the students, they are modified throughout the year to meet the evolving desires and interests of each individual child. Like a family, Mary Meyer School stresses the social skills that are necessary for successful group instruction while valuing the uniqueness of each member.

Central to each activity is the desire to help children find joy and satisfaction in reasoning, exploring, experimenting, problem-solving, engaging in creative work, and interacting with their teachers and peers. So much of the school experience -- like life -- is about day-to-day relationships, in which children should come to expect fairness, affection and respect.