Curriculum
Our Elementary School curriculum focuses on the reading, writing and mathematics
basics, while immersing students in the arts, physical and social sciences, foreign
language and plenty of practical application to the real world.
Literature
Reading in volume and reading a variety of books, all with good comprehension, is
the focus.
In the literature-based reading program, students continue to read approximately
17-23 books per month. A great variety of subject matter and people lays the foundation
for later study of subjects such as history and science, in such books as the Landmark
Biographies series and the Landmark Historical series. Books are
balanced among fiction, historical fiction, autobiographies, biographies and non-fiction
selections.
Literature Seminars continue to focus on key literary works at a slightly advanced
reading level, encouraging students to broaden their view, as well as develop judgment
and opinion through group discussions.
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Mathematics & Technology
Students are introduced to new math concepts and will develop greater degrees of
instant response to basic arithmetic calculations. This is followed by greater focus
on practical applications and problem solving.
Mathematics
The following new mathematical concepts are introduced in seminar-style classes:
more advanced measurements and conversions, multiplying fractions and decimals,
pre-algebraic formulas, basic geometric calculations, "consumer mathematics" (discounts
and interest rates), ratios and percentages.
Daily drilling on instant response to basic arithmetic calculations continues through
Math Facts on the Computer (MFC). Students become adept at rapid calculations
through 12's and at reducing fractions.
Practical application of mathematic concepts and formulas in real-life situations
continues to be stressed.
Computers
There are over 100 computers throughout the school for students to use. In addition,
our computer lab provides students with a wide array of technology resources for
use on various activities and projects. All students learn basic computer usage,
but additional classes are available where students can learn such things as beginning
computer programming, simple web page design, robotics, and basic Internet usage
skills. Internet access is provided through the schools high-speed T1 connection.
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Writing and Speech
Focus is on developing writing, grammar and spelling skills.
Students maintain a high standard of cursive writing and learn another form of calligraphy
as well. Mechanics of writing, proper punctuation and grammatical usage are all
strengthened, and spelling is coached daily, emphasizing both basics and the usage
of proper suffixes and prefixes.
Students write several thousand words of composition, poetry and short stories.
To develop comfort and versatility with languages, students begin to make oral presentations
in front of a group.
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Study Skills
Stress is on recognizing the barriers encountered in study and having students become
better and better at handling those barriers on their own.
Utilizing the dictionary as a study tool is mastered at this level. Students start
to work more independently while still being closely supervised.
An important skill introduced at this level is the ability to work with other students.
The student learns specific ways to help other students in their studies, and may
work with younger students or with students at their own level.
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Foreign Language
The students' grasp of a foreign language (generally Spanish) is increased to a
vocabulary of approximately 300 words. Emphasis is on carrying on a conversation
in various real-life situations.
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Life Skills, Ethics & Integrity
Focus is on social skills, morals, responsibility, communication skills, health and
safety.
The importance of manners and how manners relate to the interactions of different
cultural groups are addressed. Greater emphasis is placed on responsible behavior
as regards the students' families and their own lives. Communication skills are
further addressed, emphasizing good two-way communication.
Students learn about body function and structure, including understanding the circulatory
system and its impact on health. Students learn more complex first aid, including
administering CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.
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Research
Learning the techniques of research and observation provides students with basic
tools by which any subject can be more easily and effectively learned.
Students learn to use library facilities, becoming familiar with references, classification
and researching. Logic is introduced as a way to help students evaluate the relative
importance of facts and to distinguish between the rational and irrational.
In addition to participation in the Science Fair, students complete several complex
research assignments requiring observation and reference study.
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Science & Technology
Integrating research skills with biology and physical science is a key focus of the
science program.
Students become oriented to laboratory usage, and learn to use a microscope. Fundamental
principles of electricity are addressed, and students learn to build a simple electrical
circuit. The basics of plants, their functions and types, are introduced. Understanding
basic weather theory, weather patterns and how to predict weather is learned.
A variety of elective courses in science are offered including Animals of Long Ago,
Beginning Anatomy and Physiology, Elementary Chemistry, Circulation
of the Blood and several courses from the Basic Biology Series among
others.
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Geography & History
Focus is on orienting students to their physical surroundings and cultural environment.
The concepts of compass direction are studied so students can learn to interpret
several kinds of maps, including political maps, resource maps, contour maps and
population density maps. By drawing out a comprehensive world map, students become
familiar with the continents and their major physical features.
Through current events seminars, important people and events in the world today
are studied and discussed. In addition to the reading program's emphasis on historical
figures and events, students research and write reports on several famous figures
throughout history.
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Physical Education
Physical development and coordination are actively pursued for their own sake and
as a balance to the academic program.
Students work to achieve an overall score of at least the 65th percentile for age
class on the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports program. Participation
in team or individual sports, such as baseball, softball, soccer and basketball
is part of each student's program. Other sports may also be offered.
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Art and Music
Art and music are part of the basic program at these levels, encouraging students
not only to appreciate various forms of art and music, but also to participate in
them as well.
At some point in the Elementary School, students will each be involved in at least
one play. Later in their program, they will participate in a musical performance—vocal,
music or dance.
Art is created for display in one or more of these mediums: drawing, painting, sculpture,
ceramics, textiles or crafts.
Attending musical concerts and exploring art museums are included as additional
experiential activities.
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Practical
There are practical requirements for students throughout their academic studies,
providing students with important real-life experience in conducting experiments,
making useful products, participating in activities that further enhance their understanding
of the subjects taught or learning a new skill. Practical consists of both projects
and skill development.
Students will complete over four hundred hours of practical credit by the time they
finish the Elementary School. The requirements are fairly broad, but can include
activities such as keeping a budget, following a map on a complex urban or rural
route, becoming proficient at handling and tying ropes, participating in a mock
trial, designing and building a dog house or using a telescope to look at the moon
and planets. These activities can be completed either during or after the academic
day. Monthly field trips often satisfy some of the practical requirements.
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