Elementary School

To give students a strong start in math and build their confidence, our elementary curriculum uses two effective methods: Singapore Math and engaging Math Routines.

Building Deep Understanding with Singapore Math: This research-based approach helps students truly grasp the underlying principles of math, moving beyond mere memorization of rules. Students learn the “why” behind the “how” of math through a three-step process: concrete, pictorial, and abstract learning. They explore math concepts using hands-on activities, visual models, and real-world applications. This step-by-step method helps them truly understand numbers and build strong problem-solving skills that will last. Students will also learn to visualize problems and connect math to their everyday lives.

Developing Flexible Thinking with Math Routines (MitC): Alongside Singapore Math, we incorporate engaging Math Routines. Math Routines reinforce mathematical flexibility and reasoning by encouraging students to approach problems in multiple ways. Through real-life contexts, collaborative discussions, and open-ended investigations, students develop a sense of number relationships, strategic thinking, and confidence in tackling complex problems. This approach also emphasizes the use of visual models and representations, helping students make connections between different strategies and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts.

At the elementary level, our reading and writing program is built on foundational strategies that support the development of confident, capable readers and writers.

Syllabic Method: The syllable method is a method that starts teaching reading at the beginning by presenting words that have been arranged into syllables. The syllables are arranged into the last word, stringing the words into sentences.  When the reader breaks the words into syllables or smaller units it develops their syllabic analysis. For example, /mitochondria/ can be divided into /mi/-/to/-/chon/-/dri/-/a/, all identifiable syllables for a beginning reader. By breaking the word apart the student can correctly pronounce a difficult word.  This helps our emergent readers to be able to string together sounds to make meaning from the words they are deciphering.

Writer’s Workshop: In Writer’s Workshop, we utilize a framework that is crafted to teach writing using repetitive steps. Writing time for each day is broken down into 3 main components: mini lesson, writing time, and sharing. It is a consistent method in the classroom that helps to introduce, practice, and improve writing skills for the students.  For the mini lesson, the teacher offers direct instruction to the whole class on a specific writing skill. This may include topics such as crafting a great lead, using proper punctuation, adding details to a story, or building story suspense. The students go on to practice this skill independently and then share their work orally either in small groups or with the whole class.  

There are 3 types of writing we focus on: opinion writing, expository writing, and narrative writing. The framework is the same for all writing topics, so the students learn to build good writing skills no matter the writing style they’re working on. Checklists and rubrics tailored to each writing topic help students to stay on track and identify where they are in their writing process. Teachers confer with students along the way to observe their progress and give precise feedback. Students can then create writing goals to aid them in their writing progression over the course of the school year.

Elementary school’s French and English teachers teach together to help students build bridges between the two languages. Through the MAK method developed by Marianne Verbuyt, students will take the time to study the structure of each language and compare them. Marianne Verbuyt’s method includes visual tools to make this learning process easier, more engaging, and more effective. With this well-designed and thoughtful approach for syntax, punctuation, and prosody, the students develop a stronger mastery of both French and English.

Strong speaking skills are a cornerstone of our elementary curriculum because we know that when children can express themselves confidently, it enriches their reading and writing abilities. Students have numerous exciting opportunities to hone these skills and shine as speakers.

For example, they’ll participate in:

• • Bilingual Language Workshops: Designed to target and strengthen oral communication skills in both French and English.
  • Bilingual Oral Presentations (starting in 1st grade): Students have frequent opportunities to present their projects bilingually throughout the year, often during classroom presentations, special events, and family-invited showcases. The 5th Grade Exit Project celebrates this development, as students choose a topic of interest and independently conduct research, write an analysis, and deliver a bilingual presentation in French and English before teachers, peers, and parents.
  • Theatrical Performances: Through our yearly End-of-Year Show and other student theatrical opportunities, students develop their expressive speaking and presentation skills.
  • Model United Nations (UN) Club: An opportunity to research global issues, articulate arguments, and develop public speaking skills.
  • Elected Participation in Student Council: Empowering students to effectively convey their ideas and represent their peers.
  • Eco-Delegates elections, workshops, and other initiatives.

The Elementary School Science curriculum blends units of study from the French and American systems. Science classes are taught bilingually with both a French and an English classroom teacher delivering instruction together.  In the upper grades (4th and 5th) a trained American science teacher works with the French classroom teacher to plan and carry out science instruction.  

The science curriculum aims to foster excitement and enthusiasm for discovery and concept building. The scientific method, questioning, observation, and data collection are utilized to investigate relevant, age-appropriate science concepts. Students often work in groups to foster skills of collaboration and communication. In the older grades, project-based learning is also used to delve deeper into topics. Projects might include designing and building structures such as a sustainable school, a working water wheel, and a water filtration system. The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are woven into the curriculum to prepare students to become active citizens in our interconnected world.

Our STEM curriculum focuses on developing essential skills for the future: real-world problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. 

Beginning with fun, age-appropriate tools like BeeBots, Ozobots, and Scratch Jr, students learn foundational coding concepts, directional thinking, and sequencing through both digital and unplugged activities. 

As they advance, they explore more complex platforms such as Scratch, Dash, and ProBots, deepening their understanding of algorithms, loops, and debugging, all while designing games, choreographing robot movements, and solving tangible challenges.

Engineering is woven throughout the curriculum. Younger students design and build simple objects using basic materials. As they grow, they tackle more complex design challenges, working in teams to imagine, prototype, and refine technical solutions. They’re using Tinkercad to design and print objects with the 3D Printers.

Through interactive projects like treasure hunts, obstacle courses, and collaborative design tasks, our students not only learn technology but also use it to create, explore, and express themselves.

In addition, students learn how to use Chromebooks and essential Google tools safely and effectively, preparing them for digital fluency.

Learn more about our STEM classes and hands-on projects here.

Art curriculum raises interest, confidence, and makes children sensitive to beauty in their environment and beyond.

Through hands-on activities such as drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture, students learn diverse artistic techniques. These explorations are often inspired by the styles of renowned artists, from Leonardo da Vinci, Gustav Klimt, Douanier Rousseau to contemporary figures. The curriculum introduces art history through engaging stories and media, while also highlighting connections between art and other subjects like literature and history. Imagination and narrative play a central role, with projects drawing inspiration from poetry, mythology, and even architectural concepts. 

As students advance, they develop their ability to analyze and reinterpret artworks, discuss them using appropriate art vocabulary, and explore various media, including shadow theaters and model making. They encounter a wide spectrum of art history, spanning ancient civilizations to modern and contemporary artists like Alexander Calder. Finally, communicating about the art process is also an essential part of the curriculum.

Music offers a progressive and engaging musical journey from the early preschool years through to upper elementary grades. Students explore a rich variety of musical genres and traditions through listening, movement, singing, and instrument play. Through the discovery of famous musical works, instruments, and sounds from around the world, children develop their musical ear, rhythmic sense, and vocal technique in age-appropriate ways.

The curriculum grows with the students, from learning basic rhythms and songs in preschool to reading music, recognizing musical intervals, and playing the ukulele in elementary grades. Emphasis is placed on creativity, collaboration, and musical expression, with measurable goals that ensure students steadily build musical confidence and competence each year.

Physical Education at the elementary level focuses on developing students’ fundamental motor skills, coordination, and physical confidence through playful and structured activities. 

The program emphasizes teamwork, cooperation, and respect, while helping students build healthy habits and a positive attitude toward physical activity.

Each grade level is introduced to age-appropriate units such as locomotor skills (running, jumping, hopping), ball games, dance, circus, introductory team sports, and racket sports. Activities are designed to be inclusive, fun, and promote both physical well-being and social development.