Elementary School

List of 3 items.

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  Literacy

  Elementary school students spend more than two hours each day focused on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This program serves as a bridge from our primary school approach to our novel-driven study in middle school. Beyond whole-group instruction, students participate in small reading groups that meet throughout the week, read independently, visit the library, and have personalized opportunities for practice. Our program focuses on fiction and nonfiction reading, including a study of New York State history in fourth grade and Greek and Roman history in fifth grade. Whole-class readings and the library collection have been carefully selected to include authors and protagonists of color.
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  Mathematics

  The Math in Focus Singapore math program focuses on teaching fewer concepts with greater depth and more complex problem solving than typical programs in the United States. By beginning with concrete examples, moving to pictorial demonstrations, and then connecting to abstract concepts, students acquire skills to tackle increasingly difficult problems. In elementary school, small group work in pullout math labs helps meet individual needs for enrichment. Students also use the online personalized learning tool IXL to support their learning in the classroom and at home. Students ready to tackle more challenging problems participate in an advanced math lab.
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  Science

  Our goal is to engage students in the process of scientific investigation and inquiry, preparing them to succeed in middle school science and beyond. In elementary school, we focus on developing scientific and engineering skills, non-fiction reading and writing skills, and content knowledge. At each grade level, students study earth science, physical science, and life science. Third graders explore "Balancing Forces," "Inheritance and Traits," “Environments and Survival,” and "Water and Climate." Fourth-grade units include “Energy Conversions,” “Vision and Light,” “Waves, Energy, and Information,” and “Earth’s Feautres.” Fifth graders study "Modeling Matter," "Ecosystem Restoration," “Earth’s System,” and "Earth’s Changing Climate."