Lower School Academics
Language Arts (meets twice daily)
In Language Arts classes, students study the basic elements of grammar, literature, vocabulary, and written expression. Students learn proper grammar usage in order to improve their writing and proofreading skills. Students learn the elements of literature and improve their reading comprehension using literature texts as well as novels such as Bud, not Buddy, Because of Winn Dixie, and Shiloh. All material is read aloud and thoroughly discussed in class. Students learn a structured writing process that progresses from simple sentences to expanded paragraphs and simple research papers.
Mathematics (meets twice daily)
The primary purpose of the math class is to develop math skills in the areas of concepts, computation, and application. Emphasis is placed on using manipulatives to introduce new concepts and on mastering the basic operations with whole numbers, decimals and fractions. Direct instruction of new material, cooperative groups, guided and independent practice are teaching strategies used to engage students and maintain attention.
Social Studies / Science
Students spend one semester studying social studies and one semester studying science. They not only learn grade-level content in various social studies and science classes, but they also work to improve reading comprehension and note-taking skills. Students master essential strategies to learn factual information and are also directly taught how to demonstrate their knowledge in written form. Hands-on laboratory experiences help students grasp scientific concepts that are introduced in texts as well as understand the scientific method. Topics in social studies progress from the study of basic communities in the first grade to the history of the world in older grades. Students are also introduced to basic elements of geography and map skills. Topics of study in science include animal and plant life, body systems, earth and space.
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