Early Childhood
The pre-school ages (3, 4, and 5) present educators with unique opportunities to reinforce and build upon the love of learning that the child has already developed at home during the immediate post natal years. We must constantly remind ourselves never to underestimate the intellectual curiosity of children, even at these early ages. Intellectually, the research is overwhelmingly convincing that children who arrive in kindergarten and first grade already knowing colors, shapes, sounds, letters, numbers and words have a great likelihood of success. In partnership with parents, early childhood schooling addresses the socializing requirements of a wider society than family and siblings, inculcating through play and games the notions of taking turns, negotiating with words rather than tears or fists, and coping with the sometimes discomfiting reality that one does not always finish first. Pre-school begins to address formally what has been called the "less obliging aspects of childhood," children's natural restlessness, impulsiveness, and preference for the easy way out.

The Pre-K 3 Program focuses on the development of the child through play. Functional and constructive play, games with rules, and dramatic play all help children learn the skills and adopt the attitudes necessary for later academic success.

The Pre-K 4 Program focuses on the development of the whole child, with emphasis on learning through play, and exploration with positive reinforcement. Language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, music, Spanish and art are all integrated throughout the day. Children work independently, and as part of a group.

The Kindergarten Program is a well-rounded and integrated program providing balanced experiences in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, Spanish and music. Emphasis is on the social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development of each child. Our approach is success oriented with real life applications and hands-on experiences. Children participate in groups as well as work independently. Assessment of students takes place through teacher observations, portfolio assessment, and profile check. Parents receive formal interim and report cards each trimester. Parent conferences are scheduled twice a year, and additionally at the request of the parent.

Lower School
Preschool through third grade has its own lunch time, and classes join together for field trips, special projects and cooperative learning. Periodically, they hold assemblies to share work or to participate in events expressly suited for four-to nine-year-olds. In addition, children have classes in library, art, computer, Spanish and music. The curriculum emphasizes and integrates reading, writing and mathematics. Instructional groups are small and are adapted to individual needs. Teaching methods are flexible and centered around the learning style of each student.

A balanced language arts curriculum for the early grades combines instruction in phonics with sight vocabulary and context clue development. In the third grade, the focus is on independent learning, reading comprehension and inference. Process writing is an integral part of the language arts curriculum for all grades PK and up. Mathematical experience using manipulatives is offered as a foundation for abstract thinking and problem-solving.

Because of the developmental needs of the elementary-age child, the program emphasizes exploration and experimentation in the arts and in science. In the first grade, music and library support the core curriculum. Science and social studies instruction is integrated with Language Arts. All grades have specific subject teachers from the larger school faculty in library, art, music, Spanish and computer. Daily physical education classes promote individual development in all grades and introduce team sports where appropriate.

Upper School
The transition between grades is gradual and smooth. In the fourth and fifth grades, a moderate change in classroom organization reflects the beginning of a departmentalized system which is characteristic of grades six, seven and eight.

The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, computer, Spanish, art, music, drama and electives.

Mathematics is taught in small groups. Fourth through sixth grade math instruction focuses on fundamental number operations with whole numbers, fractions and decimals. Problem solving strategies are emphasized. A pre-algebra program is presented to seventh-graders. Eighth graders study algebra, with the more advanced students completing Algebra 1.

The Science program in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades includes the study of earth, life and physical sciences. This provides the students with an excellent background for entering high school. Geography and global culture are included in the fourth grade social studies course. Fifth-grade students learn about exploration, government and early American history. The sixth graders continue to study world regions and ancient civilizations. Seventh grade is devoted to the study of geography of the world. The social studies program in eighth grade includes an in-depth study of American history. Current events are discussed in all classes.  

Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students are assigned a faculty advisor who meets weekly with each student to discuss individual concerns. The particular needs and characteristics of the pre-adolescent and adolescent child, as well as individual academic, social and emotional progress, are addressed by the faculty in homeroom with students and during the weekly grade-level and faculty meetings. In these grades students are given more long-term assignments and there is an increasing demand for independent work. It is a time when student responsibility increases. This ensures not only a positive self-image but also a respect for peers.