Academic Program:

First to Fifth

There are three classes of 18-20 students each in Grades 1 through 5. For these students the school day begins at 8:00 A.M. and ends at 3:00 P.M.

The Primary grades in the East building, home to First and Second Grades, are located in an attractive stone building seen from the Charles Street entrance to the campus. Students at this level develop skills in listening, comprehension, and writing in its many forms, from expressive to creative and expository, to become confident in self-expression. The teams of teachers for each grade plan together and teach core subjects to children with the help of part-time teachers, in Reading and Math. Students also attend library, technology, science, art and music classes in this building. Each day begins with a classroom-based worship time centered on Quaker values. In addition, students attend weekly Meeting for Worship at the Stony Run Meeting House, adjacent to the campus.

The Intermediate, or Third, Fourth and Fifth, grades in the West building are connected to the East building by a second-story enclosed glass walkway. Children at this level learn mathematical concepts through discussion, written expression, word problems, and utilization of manipulative materials. In Language Arts, there is an emphasis on the writing process as well as teaching reading through literature. In social studies, themes of community, world cultures and geography, social and economic justice, conflict, religious freedom, and history are explored. Research skills are taught as part of each academic subject and are supported by library and technology instruction. The Lower School science program explores a broad range of issues, from inner-earth to outer space, with a focus on environmental preservation. Students gain experience solving problems creatively, thinking critically, working cooperatively in teams, and using technology effectively.
The arts also play an important role in the curriculum. Chorus, exploratory music, recorder lessons, fourth and fifth grade string ensembles and band, and art classes provide intensive learning opportunities during the in-day program. After-school music lessons with Friends music teachers are also available for an added fee. Lower School students showcase their artistic talents during Winter and Spring Sings and the All-School Art Show. The Lower School's library provides a fun, inviting environment where students develop a love of books and gain beginning research skills on which to build as they move through the upper grades. Children visit the library for instruction, to hear stories read aloud, to find resources for class projects, and to check out books to read for pleasure.

Introduction

PreKindergarten to PreFirst

First to Fifth

Areas of Study