Elementary

The primary goal of language arts instruction in the lower school is to inspire students to read for pleasure, learn new information, share their thoughts and feelings, and speak confidently and dynamically. To meet those goals, teachers in Grades K–3 focus on reading skills that include print knowledge, alphabet awareness, phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, decoding, vocabulary, and fluency. In Grades 4 and 5, reading instruction focuses on vocabulary development, fluency and comprehension.

A strong understanding of social studies and history is the foundation of well-informed, civic-minded citizens. Our Grade 1–5 scope and sequence begins with exploring relationships that students have within their immediate circle of family, friends, and neighbors. Then students learn the basics of geography, economic, and citizenship in the context of expanding their view to include the local community. Learning broadens from there to an awareness of local and global communities and the exploration of different cultures.

Just as children explore concentrically larger circles of community in social studies, the science curriculum teaches them to understand and appreciate the physical world around them.

K–5 math instruction is carefully designed to allow students to connect with, build upon, and refine their mathematical understandings. Students use metacognitive strategies when they engage in solving mathematics problems to not only understand specific concepts, but also the process by which they learned them.

Our goal is to develop physically competent individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthy physical activity. Our elementary PE classes begin with stretching, running and other exercises. PE lessons continue by teaching students a skill needed to play a particular sport. Classes conclude with students playing a game related to specific sports, such as soccer, basketball, badminton or volleyball.