Elementary Years

School hours are 8:30-3:30.

The learning environment is appropriate developmentally for children in first through fifth grades.  Our students, though academically advanced, also need a safe and secure, nurturing environment where they can grow academically, creatively, emotionally and socially.   Homeroom teachers continue to play a major role in coordination of curriculum.  This is also the time when skills in writing, organization and study techniques are honed in preparation for departmentalized life in Middle School.

1^st through 4^th grade

Students continue to have educational experiences organized according to their individual profiles and areas of strength.  Homerooms are multi-age (1^st and 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th); however, ability groupings rather than homerooms address individual achievement and acceleration requirements in the areas of language arts and mathematics.

Our goals include the development of critical thinking skills which are crucial to the growth of any child.  We strive to help each child become an independent thinker who is capable of making decisions, substantiating statements made, and who is willing to explore a new idea, to risk-take. We want our students to respect each other, to be caring, compassionate and helpful.

5^th graders – a portal to Middle School

Age 10 is a pivotal age for these pre-adolescents. Though maturing, they need to have additional time to develop the life skills to succeed in the more independent, departmentalized environment of Middle School. Competence in writing and research and the maturity to participate in more in-depth discussions will be needed in the Middle School environment. 5^th graders take a class in organization and study skills. Students participate in a 5^th grade field trip and are eligible to audition for the spring play.