They work with the dictionary and practice word study skills. Independent reading for pleasure is encouraged. In mathematics, the children develop their proficiency in addition and subtraction and study multiplication and division with arrays, patterns, and other models. They make a first acquaintance with fractions and geometric concepts. They work with measurement concepts by measuring the distances between buildings on the River Campus.
Third graders broaden their understanding of environments farther beyond their own experience.
The social studies curriculum focuses on the large networks developed to maintain farflung and diverse political and commercial units such as states. Its topics include transportation, communication, food production and distribution, and government. Third graders study the geography of New York State. As part of their science study, which includes an environmental unit on the tropical rainforests, the children adopt a snail and learn a great deal about human structure, function, and reproduction by comparing similarities and differences. In addition third graders begin exposure to French and Spanish in a program that emphasizes oral and physical response.