The Lower Elementary Curriculum

Literature groups encourage children to read and respond to literature.
In addition to grammar, sentence structure, and word study, students are also exposed to poetry and creative writing.

In addition to the basic operations of arithmetic, students are exposed to geometry, fractions, measurement, graphing, algebra, and story-problem solving.

Centered on the two timelines of life on Earth and the history of humankind.
Students study the fundamental needs of humans, the history of writing and numbers.
They also learn about the earth itself - its land and water forms, rocks and fossils, volcanoes, continents and oceans, and maps.
Each spring semester students study the biomes of a different continent, and how the plants, animals, and people adapt to life in these different regions.
Students replicate weekly experiments in the physical sciences.
Students conduct many independent research projects, which are typed up and shared with the class.

Weekly peace circles allow for students to listen to and discuss books, role play, and appreciate and compliment each other's special qualities.
A spirit of giving is encouraged during the holiday season when the class raises funds to sponsor a needy local family and send contributions to humanitarian relief overseas.

Spanish is held three times a week
Music is held twice a week.
Weekly art projects introduce elements and principles of art and utilize many different media.
Plays of folktales from the continent being studied are performed in the spring.