The early elementary grades continue our commitment to developmentally appropriate practices with a theme-based, integrated curriculum. This curriculum allows for diversity in individual learning styles. Each class has a year long theme that serves as the basis for lesson plans in all the curriculum areas. Science and Social Studies activities are teacher-created to coordinate with classroom themes and student interests.

Language Arts is a major area of focus in the early elementary grades. The students utilize a whole-language, literature-based approach to reading and writing that is supplemented with phonics and grammar activities. Each class has weekly spelling assignments that reflect both teacher- and student-generated vocabulary. In addition to classroom Language Arts activities, all students are assigned to daily reading groups, based on ability rather than grade level. These reading groups meet daily for approximately one hour. Writing assignments include, but are not limited to, activities such as journals, creative writing stories, book reports, and occasional research assignments.

The basis of the mathematics curriculum is a hands-on, cooperative learning approach to mathematics that emphasizes mathematics as involving problem solving, communication, reasoning, and making connections to everyday life. Traditional computational activities are covered as well.

The early elementary students also receive instruction by specialists in Spanish, Music, Art, and Physical Education. Technology is used to enhance all curriculum areas. Teacher directed Internet research is introduced to extend the Science and Social Studies curricula. Keyboarding is introduced in Grades 3 and 4. Students in grades 1 - 4 also participate in Special Interest Workshops.