Our approach to math gives students conceptual understanding along with computational speed and fluency, in doing so students can confidently apply mathematical skills in new and unfamiliar frameworks. Additionally, our students will use their understanding to solve real-world problems.
Lessons within a unit are centered on tackling multifaceted problems that have correct answers but countless ways to calculate a solution. Students must think creatively and independently to develop their own unique approach, which strengthens their ability to apply prior knowledge to new contexts, and deepens their conceptual understanding. Our math program also develops students’ computational fluency through, daily practice of math facts.
Our approach to literacy begins with the belief that if children love to read they can teach themselves anything.
Our literacy curriculum introduces students to great literature and emphasizes critical thinking, knowledge building, and the thoughtful discussion of ideas. Students read and analyze poetry, biography, history, fiction, myths, and fables.
During Guided Reading, the teacher works with students who are studying a novel just beyond their reading level. During this reading time, the teacher sets ambitious goals for students so they can grow as readers. Through close study, coaching, and discussion, students are able to master more challenging content and gain confidence to tackle books at this level on their own.
To promote avid reading, students read and participate, text-based discussions throughout the school day. Our reading program includes: Independent Reading The Book Whisperer: 40 Book Challenge
The foundation of our literacy program Independent Reading — a time when students get lost in books they love and not what the teacher chooses. During independent reading, students choose books that interest them and are suitable for their level of reading fluency. We get to know our students as readers by listening to them read and coaching them to become better readers during this focused time. Through discussions about their books with partners and the whole class, students are encouraged to think critically about their books and share in the joy of reading. This approach to independent reading is based on the book The Book Whisperer-40 Book Challenge. Each student will be challenge to read 40 books within a school year.
Our approach to writing encourages students to become skilled, passionate writers who express their ideas with clarity and purpose. Students will write every day.
At the heart of our writing program is the belief that writers improve through frequent practice and revision. By providing regular opportunities for students to write independently, receive feedback, revise, and publish their work, we build the habits of great writers.
Strong writing rests on grammar rules, proper spelling, and a vivid vocabulary. We teach students grammar by holding our students accountable for using correct grammar in their speech and writing every day and through short, weekly lessons of direct instruction on the rules of grammar. Students also learn spelling and vocabulary through daily practice of weekly spelling and vocabulary words, which increase in difficulty throughout the year.
Our commitment to science ignites a passion for the subject early in life, builds a wide-ranging foundation of knowledge, and teaches students to investigate and analyze real-world problems critically and systematically, grounded in a strong base of evidence.
An interactive learning environment is our approach in the teaching of science and the scientific method. Our students will conduct experiments and discuss observations, data, and results just as scientists do. We incorporate the three main disciplines of science — Life, Physical, Earth — into our yearly curriculum.
Science lessons often begin with a hands-on exploration of a challenge or question presented by the teacher. Students work collaboratively on the exploration, record their observations, and participate in discussion about their discoveries. During student explorations the teacher guides them to a deeper understanding of the scientific principles within the lesson. Finally, students write up their conclusions in reports.
Scientific concepts are revisited at increasing levels of difficulty, and complexity as students progress through school.
In our younger grades, students will explore geography and community in our country and in our world. Historical events and cultures are examined with the fourth grade studying New Jersey.
Students in grades five and six study world geography and its effect on the past and present. They explore all areas of the globe with emphasis on Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Seventh and eighth graders gain an overview of world cultures before examining American history from its days of early exploration to modern times.