Academics

Language Arts (daily)

Teachers across the elementary grades employ a balanced approach to provide a differentiated and rigorous experience for students based on the most current research on best practices in literacy instruction. Robust units of study in reading and writing in combination with programs to support students’ development in phonics/spelling, grammar, and vocabulary are employed.

Students receive whole class mini-lessons as well as differentiated small-group and individual instruction. Teaching is responsive, informed by ongoing formal and informal student assessment. Students see themselves as readers and writers who embrace literacy with passion, skill, and powerful thinking.

Mathematics (daily)

Using Bridges^® in Mathematics, students extend their understanding of base-ten notation using algebraic thinking; build fluency with addition and subtraction by solving problems using strategies and visual models; use standard units of measure to explore the inverse relationship between the size of the unit of measure and the number of iterations; describe and analyze shapes.

Social Studies (integrated with Language Arts)

Students ask the questions: Where am I? Where are you? How are we connected? While exploring the themes of identity, community, and connections students learn how to read maps, locate places on a map, and find and use information to make connections, growing expertise on a topic.

Music (2x/week)

Students are given many diverse opportunities to develop musical skills. Some concepts covered in class include: tempo; singing on pitch with expression; introduction to rhythm reading; and melody and harmony in singing.

STEM (2x/week)

Students explore Science, Technology, and Innovation throughout the year.

In this class, students will explore various STEM topics and experience the power and importance of STEM, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation while having fun! Students explore and learn through projects in the Dragon Innovation Lab and from expert guest speakers and through attending study trips to many Washington, DC, area institutions and venues.

The curriculum includes selections from:

• • Next Generation Science Standards, life sciences, chemistry, and physics
  • Electronic technologies (such as Sphero SPRK and LEGO WeDo) and non-electronic technologies
  • Engineering Design Process and Engineering is Elementary curriculum
  • Math

French or Spanish (2x/week)

Through dialogues, stories, songs, and audio-visual aids, students learn how to tell time and vocabulary related to food and the household. They understand basic greetings and question patterns and can respond appropriately using appropriate intonation. Students also work on reading and writing.

Art (2x/week)

The visual arts curriculum is designed to allow students the opportunity to explore a variety of art opportunities. Through the use of art elements and design principles, and other foundational skills, students create art that ranges from self-expression, observation, memory and imagination. Building upon prior knowledge, students further develop their understanding of how art is applicable to their own lives and the world around them.

As students navigate through each unit of art, they are approaching art-making and understanding by creating new work, presenting their work, responding to the work of others and making connections to the world.

Religion (1x/week)

Students increase their knowledge of the Bible by learning about major themes and lessons for life presented in the Old and New Testaments. They are also introduced to the stories of past and present people, religious and secular, who embody those lessons. The monthly virtues are connected to the Bible stories and people presented in class.

Physical Education (3x/week)

The curriculum emphasizes the benefits of personal fitness to lay the foundation for lifelong wellness. The elements of team play, cooperation, respect for others, safety, and enjoyment are stressed. Activities include:

• Striking and fielding games
• Gymnastics and dance
• Self-challenging activities

Library (1x/week)

Students learn how to search online for specific titles in the library collection and how to find books by their call numbers. By reading and discussing world folklore, students explore topics related to their classroom’s social studies curriculum. To share their love of literature, students learn how to present short book talks. They also participate in literature circles to discuss their pleasure reading.

Language Arts (daily)

Teachers across the elementary grades employ a balanced literacy approach, which provides a differentiated and rigorous experience for students based on the most current research on best practices in literacy instruction. Robust units of study in reading and writing in combination with programs to support students’ development in spelling, grammar, conventions, and vocabulary are employed.

Students receive whole class mini-lessons as well as differentiated small-group and individual instruction. Instruction is responsive, informed by ongoing formal and informal student assessment. Primary goals are to help students see themselves as readers and writers who embrace literacy with passion, skill, and powerful thinking.

Mathematics (daily)

Using Bridges^® in Mathematics, students develop an understanding of multiplication and division within 100; develop an understanding of fractions, especially unit fractions; study the structure of rectangular arrays and of area; and describe and analyze two-dimensional shapes. Students use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic and add and subtract with an expanded algorithm to three-digit numbers.

Social Studies (integrated with Language Arts)

Students ask the questions: Who am I? Who are you? Who are we? How does that shape and change the stories we tell? While exploring the themes of identity, community, belonging, and change students expand their understanding on the value and accuracy of history through perspective-taking, “reading” historical texts, and developing stories in diverse formats.

Music (2x/week)

Students learn to play recorders and study composition, improvisation, form, and style. They begin following musical scores, learn to identify meter signatures, and are given many opportunities to perform throughout the year. Students continue to practice choral skills during one class each week.

STEM (2x/week)

Students explore Science, Technology, and Innovation throughout the year.

In this class, students will explore various STEM topics and experience the power and importance of STEM, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation while having fun! Students explore and learn through projects in the Dragon Innovation Lab and from expert guest speakers and through attending study trips to many Washington, DC, area institutions and venues.

The curriculum includes selections from:

• • Next Generation Science Standards, life sciences, chemistry, and physics
  • Electronic technologies (such as Sphero SPRK and LEGO WeDo) and non-electronic technologies
  • Engineering Design Process and Engineering is Elementary curriculum
  • Math

French or Spanish (2x/week):

Through skits, dialogues, stories, and audio-visual aids, students learn vocabulary associated with seasons, sports, and themselves. They learn the verbs “to be” and “to have” as well as pronouns and articles. Emphasis is placed on learning about French and Spanish culture.

Art (2x/week):

The visual arts curriculum is designed to allow students the opportunity to explore a variety of art opportunities. Through the use of art elements and design principles, and other foundational skills, students create art that ranges from self-expression, observation, memory and imagination. Building upon prior knowledge, students further develop their understanding of how art is applicable to their own lives and the world around them.

As students navigate through each unit of art, they are approaching art-making and understanding by creating new work, presenting their work, responding to the work of others and making connections to the world.

Religion (1x/week)

Students continue to become familiar with the biblical narrative in greater detail. They are also introduced to the teachings and traditions of other world religions. Students continue to discuss monthly virtues and relate those virtues to their own lives.

Physical Education (3x/week)

The curriculum emphasizes the benefits of personal fitness, laying the foundation for lifelong wellness. The elements of team play, cooperation, respect for others, safety, and enjoyment are stressed.

Activities include:

• Soccer, Frisbee^®, hockey, softball, lacrosse, and other team sports
• Gymnastics and dance

Library (1x/week)

Students read, discuss, and learn to differentiate between different literary genres, including fables, myths, legends, short stories, biographies, poetry, and fiction. Library activities enrich and extend social studies and language arts units.

Language Arts (daily)

Teachers across the elementary grades employ a balanced literacy approach, which provides a differentiated and rigorous experience for students based on the most current research on best practices in literacy instruction. Robust units of study in reading and writing in combination with programs to support students’ development in spelling, grammar, conventions, and vocabulary are employed. Students receive whole class mini-lessons as well as differentiated small-group and individual instruction. Instruction is responsive, informed by ongoing formal and informal student assessment. Primary goals are to help students see themselves as readers and writers who embrace literacy with passion, skill, and powerful thinking.

Mathematics (daily)

Using Bridges^® in Mathematics, students develop the following skills: fluency with multi-digit multiplication and division; an understanding of fraction equivalence, addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators, and multiplication of fractions by whole numbers; and an understanding that geometric figures can be analyzed and classified based on specific properties.

Social Studies (daily)

Students ask the questions: What makes people brave? When do people act? What are the legacy of their actions? While exploring the themes of bravery, identity, and independence students develop skills in geography, chronological thinking, research, and public speaking.

Music (3x/week)

In chorus students continue note reading and syncopation. Students learn to follow music scores and begin mixed chorus. All students learn a band instrument and experience ensemble playing and listening.

STEM (2x/week)

Students explore Science, Technology, and Innovation throughout the year.

In this class, students will explore various STEM topics and experience the power and importance of STEM, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation while having fun! Students explore and learn through projects in the Dragon Innovation Lab and from expert guest speakers and through attending study trips to many Washington, DC, area institutions and venues.

The curriculum includes selections from:

• • Next Generation Science Standards, life sciences, chemistry, and physics
  • Electronic technologies (such as Sphero SPRK and LEGO WeDo) and non-electronic technologies
  • Engineering Design Process and Engineering is Elementary curriculum
  • Math

French or Spanish (2x/week)

Children develop their ability to make simple declarative sentences. Classwork reinforces reading and writing skills, including question-and-answer patterns. Lessons include cardinal numbers to 1,000, telling time, giving directions, answering questions using prepositions, and using adjectives to give physical descriptions. They also learn about French and Spanish-speaking countries.

Art (2x/week)

The visual arts curriculum is designed to allow students the opportunity to explore a variety of art opportunities. Through the use of art elements and design principles, and other foundational skills, students create art that ranges from self-expression, observation, memory and imagination. Building upon prior knowledge, students further develop their understanding of how art is applicable to their own lives and the world around them.

As students navigate through each unit of art, they are approaching art-making and understanding by creating new work, presenting their work, responding to the work of others and making connections to the world.

Religion (1x/week)

The focus of the class is God’s love for creation and our response to this love as described in the Hebrew Scriptures. Students will also examine stories demonstrating God’s relationship with people in times of difficulty and hardship.

Physical Education (3x/week)

The curriculum teaches the benefits of personal fitness, laying the foundation for lifelong wellness. Emphasis is placed on personal fitness and new ways to apply fitness principles. Team sports are approached in-depth with a focus on tactics, skill development, teamwork, respecting and understanding the ability of others, and self-esteem. Activities include:

• soccer
• Frisbee™
• hockey
• softball
• lacrosse
• and other team sports

Language Arts (daily)

Teachers across the elementary grades employ a balanced literacy approach, which provides a differentiated and rigorous experience for students based on the most current research on best practices in literacy instruction. Robust units of study in reading and writing in combination with programs to support students’ development in spelling, grammar, conventions, and vocabulary are employed. Students receive whole class mini-lessons as well as differentiated small-group and individual instruction. Instruction is responsive, informed by ongoing formal and informal student assessment. Primary goals are to help students see themselves as readers and writers who embrace literacy with passion, skill, and powerful thinking.

Mathematics (daily)

Starting in Grade 5, we offer students two different math classes. Fifth-graders will either participate in on-grade level math classes with their homeroom teachers using Bridges^® in Mathematics, or join a compacted/accelerated class that covers the Grade 5 & 6 curriculum in one year.

Social Studies (integrated with Language Arts)

Students ask the question: Who holds power in American society? While exploring the themes of power and responsibility students learn about civics and develop skills in research and evidence-based argument and advocacy.

Music (3x/week)

Students continue further development of two-part choral readings, writing notation, and recognizing musical styles. They participate in the school’s annual musical production and listen to musical compositions including opera. All students study instrumental music and continue to experience ensemble playing and listening. Students learn the basics of music performance including major scales and arpeggios, tuning, keyboard signatures, notation including note values, duple and triple meters, rhythm patterns, articulations, and varied styles.

STEM (2x/week)

Students explore Science, Technology, and Innovation throughout the year.

In this class, students will explore various STEM topics and experience the power and importance of STEM, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation while having fun! Students explore and learn through projects in the Dragon Innovation Lab and from expert guest speakers and through attending study trips to many Washington, DC, area institutions and venues.

The curriculum includes selections from:

• • Next Generation Science Standards, life sciences, chemistry, and physics
  • Electronic technologies (such as Sphero SPRK and LEGO WeDo) and non-electronic technologies
  • Engineering Design Process and Engineering is Elementary curriculum
  • Math

French or Spanish (2x/week)

Study includes plural and singular possessive adjectives; subject pronouns; professions and trades; the present tense of verbs “to go,” “to want,” and “to be able to”; and infinitive verbs. Students learn the conjugations of common regular verbs and adjectives to describe people and nationalities using affirmative and negative questions. Activities include writing short compositions.

Art (2x/week)

The visual arts curriculum is designed to allow students the opportunity to explore a variety of art opportunities. Through the use of art elements and design principles, and other foundational skills, students create art that ranges from self-expression, observation, memory and imagination. Building upon prior knowledge, students further develop their understanding of how art is applicable to their own lives and the world around them.

As students navigate through each unit of art, they are approaching art-making and understanding by creating new work, presenting their work, responding to the work of others and making connections to the world.

Religion (1x/week)

The class will explore Christian Scriptures with particular emphasis on the parables of Jesus. Students will be encouraged to respond to biblical stories in the context of their own lives.

Physical Education (3-4x/week)

Each term, students choose whether to participate in a team sport or in WESQwest, a more conventional PE program.

Team Sports:

• soccer or cross country (fall)
• basketball (winter)
• track and field or lacrosse (spring)

WESQwest Activities:

• tennis
• rollerblading
• climbing
• cross-training
• martial arts
• biking
• volleyball
• badminton
• and more