ELEMENTARY (KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 5)

Our kindergarten program begins for students who are five years old by September 1st. This is determined by the State of Massachusetts, and by district. Kindergarten through Grade 5 are self-contained classrooms.

READING

Learning to read is a focus of the younger elementary age students. Phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, oral reading fluency, and comprehension are all components of the program. Using reading programs, and DRA testing, students are leveled according to their ability, and challenged as they grow. Using these programs, teachers foster a love for reading.  As students enter Grade 4, students are using prior knowledge, and reading to learn. A variety of informational texts are used across the content areas. Also, students are taught in modern educational methods, giving them the tools for success in the higher grades and above.

MATH

In Grades K-5, Eureka Math is used. Topics include operations and algebraic thinking, number/operations in base ten, number and operations-fractions, measurement and data, and geometry.

SCIENCE

Thematic units are the foundation for science instruction in Grades K-2. Students will use factual and fictional texts that correlate to the subject matter. Also, the Mystery Science program is used in integration to the curriculum to expand student knowledge. The intermediate grade students will cover topics in life science, physical science, and earth/space science. The Mystery Science program is also used to enhance the program. Along with the classroom teacher, a science specialist coordinates the program, and co-teaches the Science curriculum.

SOCIAL STUDIES

In the primary and intermediate grades, topics of instruction focus on areas of economics, history, geography, civics, government and local history. A project-based element is applied in these areas, focusing on students collaborating with one another.

In addition to the main curriculum, students participate in enhancement classes, including Art, Physical Education, Technology, Music, and the Portuguese language.