K-1 Curriculum Guide

• develop a lifelong love of learning.
• acquire the habilts of mind that inspire curiosity and discovery
• develop their personal voice and perspective.
• understand their own personal power.
• grow confident through their learning.
• practice responsibility and accountability to themselves and others.
• develop independence and find their own path.
• learn how to work alone and in a group.
• encounter and embrace values such as respect, stewardship, appreciation of differences, recognition of each other’s gifts and talents, simplicity, equality, and peace.
• know success is not often attained on the first try, that there are several ways of solving a problem, and that not all questions have one answer while other questions have no answer.
• be as focused on the process of learning as on the product.
• ask pertinent questions that advance understanding.
• think critically about the world and about their learning.
• acquire and exercise self-control.
• respectfully and knowledgably question authority to advance justice and peace

How Our Curriculum is Designed and Modified

We keep two goals in mind when creating and revising our academic curriculum. The first is to have a framework that coordinates grade levels through a scope and sequence of skills and concepts. This framework is a synthesis of 1) the national standards of each subject area, 2) best practices of independent schools, and 3) the expectations and requirements for successful entry into the local high schools.

The second goal is to honor teacher autonomy, relying on a teacher’s expertise, experience, and inspiration to create themes, select materials, adjust to the needs of each class, and remain open to the teachable moment. Having a say in what one teaches is a hallmark of independent education and one of the main reasons we attract and keep our teachers. The faculty and administration work together to create, revise, and make decisions about the curriculum.

What follows is an articulation of the K-5 academic program: reading, writing, math, science, and theme studies. The special subjects curriculum (art, music, yoga, physical education, Spanish) will follow at a later time. The Middle School Curriculum Guide addresses the academic subjects in grades 6-8 and includes Spanish as an academic and graded subject.