Elementary | Kindergarten-Grade 4

In Kindergarten our goal is to develop foundational skills such as rhyming, segmenting, blending, upper and lowercase letter recognition, letter/sound correspondence and correct letter formation through direct phonics instruction. Our focus is on mastery of these skills. In addition, we support reading comprehension skills and a love of reading through daily read alouds, book talks and discussions, and author/illustrator studies. 

The goal of the Kindergarten writing program is to develop each student’s ability to communicate through writing. Our students begin by drawing pictures and advance to writing words and sentences. Children are introduced to the writing process through several genre studies including Personal Narrative, All About Books, Persuasive Writing and Poetry. Our students are always proud to share their published work. 

The goal of the Kindergarten math program is to promote our student's ability to think as problem solvers. Children increase their understanding of basic math concepts such as more, less, and equal to, combining shapes to make new shapes, addition and subtraction, and gathering, sorting and recording data. Counting, grouping, number recognition and formation, and the ability to explain his or her thinking are skills we emphasize. Students are introduced to a variety of math manipulatives and materials and develop their math vocabulary.

In Kindergarten, students are introduced to the scientific method and are encouraged to approach their investigations like scientists. Using the discovery method, students find answers independently rather than being given the correct solution. Through hands-on exploration, they delve into basic science concepts.

One of our major Kindergarten units is the "Night Unit." In this unit, students discuss the differences between night and day, and begin to understand why we have these cycles. This exploration extends to learning about various constellations and the stories associated with them.

Additionally, each grade in the lower school spends time in our Children’s Garden during the fall and spring. In the fall, they harvest crops that were planted the previous spring, providing a continuous learning experience about growth cycles and agriculture.

In first grade, students begin exploring lab-based learning opportunities. They are encouraged to learn through discovery by investigating the physical world and the organisms around them. The year starts with an introduction to the scientific method, where students complete simple science experiments using this method as a guide. They are encouraged to make predictions and develop a lifelong love of science.

Throughout the year, students explore the basic needs of living things, culminating in an extensive unit on the life cycle of a butterfly. Additionally, they learn about the different parts of Earth's surface, beginning to understand how our world works and gaining a sense of its vastness.

First grade Global Studies introduces students to the diverse cultures and traditions of South America. Throughout the year, students develop a sense of curiosity, respect, and appreciation for different cultures, fostering multicultural understanding. At the beginning of each class, students learned to express their feelings in Spanish, enhancing their ability to communicate in everyday situations. They continue to practice language concepts such as colors, numbers, and
weather expressions, seamlessly integrating these into their expanding vocabulary. Students discuss how language changes depending on geographical locations and delve into the fascinating world of South America, discovering its countries, iconic landmarks, and unique cultural practices. This exploration is complemented by an introduction to traditional South American games such as Las Estatuas (Statues), Tripas de Gato, and La Vibora de la Mar (Snake in the Sea/Under the Bridge). These activities are not only fun but also provide insights into the social and recreational practices of South American games. Folktales play a vital role in our curriculum as well, offering a window into the cultural heritage of different regions. Students explore a selection of captivating folktales from South America, including "The Gentle People" (Argentinian folklore) and "Domingos Cat" (Brazilian folklore). These stories transport students into the rich narratives and moral teachings of South American cultures, enhancing their understanding and appreciation.

The second grade science program continues to provide students with a challenging yet balanced curriculum to develop their scientific skills. The scientific method is reviewed and emphasized as students are encouraged to apply their previous knowledge to new contexts. By nurturing students’ inherent curiosity and appreciation for the natural world, we foster a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Students investigate states of matter through an extensive hands-on unit, enhancing their grasp of physical science. In the second half of the year, the focus shifts to plant and animal life cycles. Students explore the differences between various living things and conclude the year with a culminating animal research project.

The third grade science curriculum focuses on understanding the physical world. During the first half of the year, students explore concepts related to force and motion. This unit is always a favorite, culminating in an exciting, hands-on marble run project where students apply their understanding of potential and kinetic energy.

In the second half of the year, third graders dive into scientific literacy through a unit on traits and inheritance. Students participate in various simulations to help them grasp how these concepts work in the real world.

Third graders wrap up the year with a mini-unit on the Sun, Moon, and Earth. They explore the relationships between these celestial bodies, learning about the Earth's orbit around the Sun, the Moon's orbit around the Earth, and the various cycles associated with these movements.

The third grade social studies curriculum explores the ways in which New York State and our local communities have developed over time. Students study the influences of Native American cultures and European colonization, specifically the Dutch and English settlers who explored and settled in this region. The children become history detectives, developing their foundational nonfiction reading and note-taking skills. Throughout the year, the third grade curriculum incorporates project-based learning opportunities that promote inquiry and curiosity as well as emphasize the importance of public speaking, collaboration and communication. A particular highlight of the year for the 3rd graders takes place during their interdisciplinary “Biography” presentation which showcases their hard work through an interactive wax museum where each student takes on the persona of a historical figure they have studied.

The fourth grade science curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Students work individually, in partners, and in groups to follow lab procedure and the scientific method. The fourth graders learn the engineering design process becoming civil engineers as they construct various bridges to solve problems. A particular highlight of the year includes a unit focused on investigating coding and problem solving with Lego Robotics. Teams are faced with situations that demand communication, collaboration, and creativity as they build and program a variety of robots to perform tasks.

The fourth grade social studies program is built around a both academically rigorous and highly interactive study of early American History, beginning with a study of the original 13 American colonies. Through the use of journal writing, technology, simulation games, performing arts, and experiential activities in the Innovation Center students develop their research skills using primary and secondary resources. As the year progresses, the research sources become more complex and note taking more detailed. Public speaking is intertwined into the curriculum as the students share what they learn throughout the year with their peers and families. A particular highlight is the Invention Fair that showcases the students’ project-based learning study of the Industrial Revolution.