Lower School
The Lower School (Grades K-5) curriculum revolves around instruction in language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. In language arts an emphasis is placed on encouraging a love of reading, writing, and oral expression with additional instruction in spelling and vocabulary. Mathematics teaching is enriched by frequent use of manipulatives to assist in conceptual learning. Social Studies begins with the family and then expands to help children learn about their community, state, country, and the world. The science curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through the use of manipulative activities and experiments. The classroom curriculum is further enhanced by instruction in French and Spanish, art, music, library science, computers, and physical education.
Middle School
Middle School students (Grades 6-8) move from the self-contained classrooms of the Lower School to a rotating schedule with different teachers for every subject. This allows the students to take greater responsibility for themselves. Self-discovery through reading, science experiments, solving math problems, and mastering a foreign language becomes an important part of their daily lives. Formal instruction continues in literature, grammar, mathematics, science, social studies and either French or Spanish. Instruction in art, music, drama, computers, debate, and physical education rounds out their schedules. They are kept very busy while enjoying their new sense of freedom in the Middle School.
Upper School
Students in the Upper School (Grades 9-12) continue to build on the sequence of learning established in the earlier grades. Responsible citizenship is expected and preparation for college emphasized. Our College Counseling Program assists students and parents with college exploration, decision making and the application process. The academic program combines a broad liberal arts base with opportunities for specialization and enrichment. Course requirements emphasize skills in analysis, problem solving, and communication. Emphasis is placed not only on the material being presented in each class but also on study habits and a healthy work ethic. Our teachers enhance their small classes through personal interest in their students and individualized attention whenever needed. Honors and Advanced Placement courses are available to qualified students. In addition, the Upper School offers a wide range of student activities to facilitate personal growth.
AP courses follow the syllabi of the College Entrance Examination Board. Students are selected for AP courses based on teacher recommendations, test scores, and past performance. All students taking AP courses take the College Board AP exam in May.
