K-3

The philosophy of the K-3 Division is based on a commitment to the whole child and to the uniqueness of the gifted student. We maintain that children develop at their own pace intellectually, creatively, socially, and physically as well as emotionally. We recognize that children are spontaneous, active, and highly curious. While honoring each child’s curiosity, we also help them to develop and apply skills that demonstrate understanding, respect, and self-confidence. Emphasis is placed on horizontal enrichment designed to broaden conceptual understanding rather than vertical acceleration. Children who are ready to take academic, creative and/or cognitive leaps find the support and encouragement they need in the K-3 Division.

We create learning situations that encourage children to develop divergent and critical thinking skills, personal problem solving strategies, and to capitalize on spontaneous discoveries. Children begin to develop these higher level thinking skills through inquiry and open-ended questions such as: “What if you did this?”; “Why do you think...?”; “What else can you do/ think of/ notice...etc.?”

We take seriously our responsibility to build strong academic skills in our students. These basic skills in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health are taught within an integrated curriculum. Our enriched classes allow for the expansion of topics into meaningful interdisciplinary experiences. We use methods that encourage children to learn creatively through real world applications and hands-on explorations with manipulatives. Children are also encouraged to expand their understanding to the symbolic level (i.e., paper and pencil tasks) as another way of demonstrating their academic understanding.

As students progress through the K-3 Division, they encounter increased academic rigor with an emphasis on independence and decision-making. Events and class schedules are planned to provide students at each grade level with several common experiences. Throughout the year, students stretch and broaden their learning by applying methods of creative problem solving and cooperative learning to a full range of school projects and assignments. Homework reflects classroom curriculum and is an opportunity for extra practice on a specific skill or advance preparation for a class project. Formal homework begins at second grade with twenty minutes a night, progressing to thirty or forty-five minutes at third grade.

The K-3 Division builds a foundation for constructive learning habits, both academically and socially. We foster children’s awareness of their own strengths as well as an appreciation for the strengths and differences of others. Our students learn to become responsible for their behavior and, as members of a group, they learn to cooperate and grow in sensitivity to others. Each student’s sense of responsibility and community awareness is encouraged in numerous ways. Community service becomes personalized for each student through a variety of projects in the K-3 Division.

Click the following links for more specific information about each subject:

Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Technology
Library
Art and K-3 Art: Speed Bump Studio!
Music
Spanish
Physical Education
Health