The Preschool program
uses a hands-on, play-based approach to learning. There are separate classes for 3- and 4-year-olds, with both involving a high level of student choice in thoughtfully prepared, developmentally appropriate activities. The program instills a foundation of independence and social awareness. The preschool program both introduces students to the foundational principles of academia and exposes 3- and 4-year-old students to experiences dedicated to their social-emotional development.
The Elementary School program
is thoughtfully designed to embody our mission and lay the foundation for critical academic skills in reading and writing, mathematics, social studies, science and engineering, Spanish, music and performing arts, visual arts, and health and wellness. It is founded on the belief that children must have meaningful experiences to learn deeply, and it takes into account developmental stages and individual learning paces, seeking to differentiate instruction wherever possible, and crafting lessons that incorporate multiple modalities as well as social-emotional learning and themes of social justice.
The Middle School program
builds on the foundations laid in the preschool and elementary programs, with age-appropriate increased academic expectations layered with the same joyous sense of learning that infuses the younger grades. Middle Schoolers take deep dives into integrated reading, writing, and humanities; mathematics; science and engineering classes; Spanish, music/ performing arts, visual arts, and health and wellness; a wide variety of electives; and social-emotional learning experiences through supportive advisory groups and class meetings. As they enter middle school, they learn practices of an effective learner, study habits, time management, organizational strategies, selfadvocacy, and goal setting in a dedicated skills class.
As the School strives to help each student reach their potential, it works to equip students with the essential skills and qualities of life-long learners: the ability to persist when challenged, to ask and consider difficult questions, to problem-solve both independently and cooperatively, to communicate effectively, to self-reflect, and to advocate for themselves and others.
This Curriculum Guide outlines the academic program from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. (The Preschool program is not described here, as the focus of the three and four year old experience is as much about social-emotional development as it is exposure to the foundational principles of academia). This guide is a snapshot of the School’s ever evolving program that documents current curriculum, but cannot fully capture the depth and breadth of the program. The School’s talented master teachers continually refine the curriculum in response to the latest educational research and best practices.
