Curriculum & Materials: Primary children, having been introduced to language/math concepts and fine motor control in the earlier levels, are ready for more rigorous focus in these areas.
In Language, the children continue to master new vocabulary while learning to blend sounds in order to read words and sentences. Preparation for handwriting is practiced through various fine motor activities such as punching, tracing, sewing, and cutting. As readiness is observed, formal lessons in cursive letter formation are presented and as the children begin to read, they also begin to write what they are reading.
In Math/Sensorial activities, children grade, order and compare attributes, demonstrate an understanding of quantity through one-to-one correspondence and then begin to add and subtract 1- and 2-digit numerals. As the child masters the operations of addition and subtraction, comprehension of multiplication and division theory is frequently acquired.
A Suzuki-developed science and multicultural social studies program is used in a spiral curriculum that begins in Pre-Primary and continues through Kindergarten. In addition, the children enjoy a rich art program as part of the Practical Life/Art learning block.
Foreign Language: Native French or Spanish speakers teach children French and Spanish in these classrooms twice a week using a language immersion curriculum. These programs are taught during both the school year and during the summer program.
Our Chinese Immersion Program, developed to both familiarize the children with the Chinese culture and to teach the tongue early on to make the sounds of this tonal language, is taught primarily through the exercises of Practical Life so that the vocabulary of both English and Chinese is taught simultaneously in the naming of familiar objects.
Daily Schedule: Each classroom observes a daily schedule which includes morning and afternoon learning blocks. The morning learning block incorporates the different subject areas (as described in the next paragraph), and the afternoon learning block allows the child to choose the materials on which he/she will focus.
Grouping of Children for Academic Lessons: Morning lessons follow a block schedule so that the presentation of and practice with the materials can be completed leisurely and without interruption. The children are placed in multi-ability groups and rotate every day in language, math/sensorial and practical life/art areas for the morning lesson block. This three day rotation allows the children to work in succession with all the classroom teachers in the areas of math/sensorial, language, fine motor, art, practical life and social studies/science.
The older children in the classroom are taught in “Ready-Now” groupings at the beginning of each school day where they receive focused instruction before the less ready children join them in the classroom for the morning learning block.
Enrichment: The Enrichment Program for the Primary Students includes field trips, special visitors and Optional Enrichment Activities. The periodic field trips include trips to theaters, museums, gardens and exhibits, offering the Primary children cultural lessons to augment the classroom experience. In addition, our regular curriculum is supplemented by special visitors, including storytellers, musicians, magicians and nature specialists throughout the school year. All Primary students participate in small group music instruction once a week and also have the opportunity to participate in optional enrichment activities such as private piano lessons, music readiness classes, as well as ballet, gymnastics and sports movement classes.
Our Teaching Team: The school attracts Primary Teachers with degrees in Early Childhood Education, Montessori certification, or who bring significant experience in child-directed teaching environments. The teams of 4 to 7 teachers work closely together to provide a stimulating and welcoming environment for each child.