Elementary Curriculum

List of 9 items.

• Math

  Preschoolers build fundamental skills such as counting, sorting, and shape recognition. Pre-K through grade 5 students learn to be flexible in their computation and problem-solving skills through Everyday Mathematics®, a program developed by the University of Chicago that helps children progress from intuitions and concrete operations to assertions and symbolic manipulations.
  
  In this proven program, number sense is continually layered with new concepts and connected in exciting, real-world applications. Students hone their abilities in mental computation, reasoning, and oral and written communication as they examine and explain their thinking process.

• Design Art & Science

  The design process encourages students to think about a question, sketch a plan, test the model, and iterate to improve the original concept. This art and science collaboration provides a unique platform for students to be creative, analytical innovators.

  
  Students in preschool through grade 2 have art and science twice per week. In the design lab, they study simple machines, LEGO® Robotics, coding, circuitry, life cycles, and animal adaptations. Students in grades 3–5 are in purpose-built studios and labs four to six times per week, exploring chemistry, biology, physical science, and engineering.

• Language Arts

  Preschool and Pre-K classes build vocabulary, letter recognition, reading readiness, and handwriting skills. Through shared study and small-group instruction, grades K–2 develop good habits for engaged reading and authentic writing. Word knowledge is taught sequentially and systematically so students can focus on knowledge-based comprehension and analysis.

   

  The program in grades 3–5 seeks to develop avid lifelong readers and writers, emphasizing high volume and personal interests. Phonics, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary are taught explicitly and within context through high-impact writing and reading mini-lessons.

• Social Studies

  In grades K–2, the social studies curriculum centers on what it means to be a responsible member of the community. Students move from a focus on self-identity and celebrating similarities and differences to a focus on the local community and then on Washington, D.C. In grades 3–5, students examine citizenship, history, and geography through yearlong explorations of the state of Maryland, American history, and world geography.

• Library & Technology

  Pre-K through grade 5 library and technology classes meet once per week to support other subject areas through book talks, research projects, and keyboarding skills. Digital citizenship conversations include online safety, digital footprints, and privacy. All Pre-K through grade 5 students are issued an iPad for use in the classroom.

• Performing Arts

  Classes in preschool through grade 2 feature musical and creative movement activities, taught by specialist teachers. In grades 3–5, classes emphasize musical literacy and performance skills, including tablature reading, choral and instrumental opportunities, improvisation, and drama productions. Students explore music in historic and sociocultural contexts and progress from Orff xylophones to folk flutes.

• Physical Education

  Preschool and Pre-K have P.E. twice per week. Grades K–2 have it four times per week, and grades 3–5 have it five times per week. Students develop and pursue physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction. Rules, safety, sportsmanship, and team play for different sports are a focus. Units include baseball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, team-building activities, tennis, track and field, tumbling, and gymnastics.

• Religion

  All grades attend weekly chapel services, and grades K–5 have weekly religion classes. Through inclusive discussions and projects, students reflect on “who I am” and “who I am in the community.” Drawing on foundational stories from a variety of faith traditions, students are called to strive for justice and peace among all peoples and respect the dignity of every human being. Students also participate in service learning projects.

• Spanish

  Spanish is taught once a week for preschool I, twice a week for preschool II through grade 2, and three times a week for grades 3–5. Through projects, songs, and dramatic play, students demonstrate communicative skills and cross-cultural competence. The study of language allows students to see the world through the eyes of others, thus learning empathy, respecting differences, and creating solidarity with local and global communities.