Grades one through five - Every area of the curriculum is used as a context in which language arts is taught. The continued study of phonics, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling, as well as handwriting, are important components of the language arts curriculum. Mathematics - Math class is one of the favorite times of the day for many Lower Schoolers. The mathematics program, using small group instruction based on students' individual progress, combines the development of mathematical concepts with mastery of skills in arithmetic processes. The Everyday Mathematics Program, The University of Chicago Mathematics Project, emphasizes conceptual knowledge and problem solving, and the use of concrete manipulatives develops and reinforces an understanding of algorithms and mathematical concepts.
Students learn scientific concepts and their application to real life.
Engaging in the process of scientific thinking, children study the topics of the human body, plants, animals, Earth and space, and physical science. Students are presented with opportunities to explore and observe various scientific principles through inquiry-based experiments and activities. An expanding scientific vocabulary is developed and research technique and presentation skills grow through assigned projects. The goal of the Social Studies curriculum is the acquisition of the knowledge and the development of the skills which enable students to understand the modem world and the concepts of democracy, freedom, equality, and ultimately themselves within that world. Through the exploration of the world and its multicultural differences, the development of map skills, the study of Virginia and American history and geography, students look critically at the events in our history and formulate their ideas of today as they develop tolerance and understanding of the world around them.