The Lower Elementary program invites students to explore their emerging intellectual and social capacities while developing a solid foundation in basic skills.

Curriculum:

•Reading/Language Arts: guided reading using Fountas and Pinnell System and Pearson’s Reading Street

•Math: Pearson’s MCP Math

•Science: Science and Technology Concepts, developed by the National Science Resource Center, the National Academies of Science, and the Smithsonian

•Social Studies: ancient and medieval history

•Spanish: conversation and culture

•Performing Arts: drama, poetry, dance, choral/instrumental music, and music theory

•Art: weekly studio classes integrated with other studies

•PE and Health: weekly classes with an emphasis on outdoor education and the Choose Love curriculum

•Experiential Ed: weekly trips and speakers based on studies in the classroom

Key Elements in ISW’s Lower Elementary program:

•Small class size with hands-on learning

•Multi-age classrooms that allow students to learn to lead and to follow

•Individual attention

•Joyful, loving atmosphere

•Opportunity to work independently and in groups

•Mastery learning rather than traditional grades

•Child-paced work