Elementary
A place for building relationships and learning
Recognizing that each child develops at their own pace, the Elementary program features 13 multiage classrooms that honor children’s developmental variations and allows for a more personalized curriculum. Lower Elementary comprises ages 5 ½-9 (grades K-3), while Upper Elementary is for ages 9-12 (grades 4-6). By meeting students where they are and building a bridge to more advanced material, teachers invest deeply in the whole child.
The Power of Two
Having two faculty members per classroom provides greater flexibility, enabling simultaneous teaching of separate subjects when needed. And it gives children an enhanced sense that they are seen, heard and sincerely cared for.
Trusted for being innovative, skilled professionals, Elementary teachers are encouraged to bring unique experiences to students — moments so fun and engaging that they might not seem like learning at all. Imaginative and curious themselves, faculty create classes that are rich, diverse and challenging.
Central Subject
In Elementary, students participate in “central subjects” that are interdisciplinary in nature, led by faculty, with an occasional assist from parents, and guided by students’ questions and interests. These topics take a class ever deeper in its exploration over the course of a year. Their focus might sound quirky to adult ears — for example, fungi or soil — but they are enormously popular with students, who love the excitement of becoming experts in specialized areas.
And this idea of letting students follow their affinities carries through a Paideia education, becoming short-term classes at the higher levels. Even as the subject matter becomes more sophisticated, the essence of such classes — to make learning irresistible — remains.
The teaching focus is on the ability to read and write skillfully; demonstrate a facility with mathematical concepts and real-life problem solving; and show an appreciation of nature and the world around them.
Homework
Homework starts at this stage, with 10 minutes a day per grade at the start and an hour by the time students leave Elementary for the greater demands of Junior High. Planning their time for homework and other activities starts an important progression of mastering executive functions.
The Day
- Lower Elementary, ages 5 ½-9 (grades K-3), meets every day from 8:15 a.m.-2:40 p.m.
- Upper Elementary, ages 9-12 (grades 3-6), meets every day from 8:15 a.m.-2:50 p.m.
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Aiding social and emotional progress
Classroom Placement
Careful thought is given to classroom placement. Can children advocate for themselves? What is their comfort level in navigating social relationships? What affinity might they show for particular subjects? Community built in the classrooms then increases through school-wide activities — coming together for assemblies or playing side-by-side at recess.
Aiding social and emotional progress
Helping students become more accountable is a central focus of Upper Elementary education and realized in a variety of ways. Students take advantage of built-in opportunities to lead in the classroom, helping their peers and boosting their own confidence in the process. Beyond coming to understand their own strengths and challenges, they learn to respect one another — recognizing that everyone brings a different identity into the classroom — and embrace empathy.
Broad supports for young learners
Parents always have the benefit of a comprehensive picture of their child’s goals and development, whether through formal conferences with teachers or more informal communications, thereby creating a seamless home-and-school support system.
A program helps older students befriend younger students, and Elementary students prize the activities they pursue — and relationships they build — with “the big kids.” Students in the High School also teach Elementary students in what is invariably a deeply positive experience for the young students and their older guides.
Almost any moment, on any day, gives a sense for the intentionally casual and relaxed atmosphere created in Elementary. From the warm morning greetings that teachers extend to every student, to the “dolphin squeals” as Elementary students voice their excitement in learning, joy is always present.