Curriculum Overview
The Beginning and Lower School curriculum helps students from preschool to fifth grade build a strong academic foundation while also developing their physical, social-emotional, and intellectual selves. Students gain knowledge and skills necessary to be informed and engaged community members.
The Arts
Through our music program, students learn instrumental work, singing, dance, creative movement, and improvisation. The visual arts and woodshop programs engage students in a broad range of media, concepts, and techniques and value innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration.
Literacy
Our program is designed to help students become confident, independent readers and writers who believe in the power of their own voice. Teachers help students develop a love for reading, the ability to analyze literature, and the confidence to express themselves through the written and spoken word. We teach the components of foundational literacy (phonemic awareness, phonics skills, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension). Literacy is integrated with social studies, and students use their skills to learn about the world and consider actions to make it a better place.
Mathematics
Our math program develops students who approach challenging problems with curiosity and perseverance. Homeroom teachers use research-based strategies to create an environment in which students are encouraged to collaborate, discuss, and expand their ideas. Illustrative Mathematics is the core math curriculum we use starting in Kindergarten, This approach follows common core standards and uses inquiry-based tasks to ensure all students can access and be challenged by grade-level content.
Modern Languages
Starting in first grade, students explore both Mandarin and Spanish before selecting which language to study. These classes are taught by specialist teachers. Through movement, song, play, art, conversation, and oral and written activities they begin to listen, speak, read, and write in their studied language. Students typically study the same language throughout their time in Beginning and Lower School.
Science
Students learn how to develop their own questions, investigate, and find answers through exploration and experimentation. Throughout their years in the Beginning and Lower School, they develop the capacity to question, carry out investigations, analyze and interpret data, use mathematical thinking, create explanations, and communicate through science.
Social Studies
Students study the different ways people address problems, and gain the knowledge, intellectual processes, and democratic dispositions required to be active participants in public life. Students examine historical events through a lens of racial literacy to understand identity and justice. Social studies is woven into the curriculum throughout the day and is frequently the springboard for reading and writing content.
Wellness
Students engage in wellness activities designed to promote lifelong physical and social-emotional health. They develop motor skills, learn how to keep their bodies healthy and active, and develop ways to take on new challenges.
