Elementary School
Growing Minds, Expanding Horizons
In Grades 2–5, students at WES experience a time of exciting growth. With small class sizes, engaging academics, and a strong focus on values and community, they explore language arts, math, science, social studies, world languages, and the arts. This hands-on approach encourages creativity, critical thinking, and connection.
As they progress, students strengthen their executive functioning skills, grow in independence, and assume leadership roles. By Grade 5, students participate in a two-night overnight camping trip, building confidence and camaraderie as they prepare for the independence of Middle School.
Welcome to the Elementary School Division
There’s nothing quite like the energy of a WES elementary classroom—students are curious, joyful, and eager to dive into learning each day. Building on the foundations of Early Childhood, we meet every child where they are and inspire them to think, explore, create, and collaborate as they grow.
Elementary is a time in students' academic and social development marked by tremendous opportunities for growth. There are many important milestones to celebrate, as well as new challenges and questions that have to be carefully navigated. Our Elementary educators partner closely with families to provide support, encouragement, and guidance to students so they are confidently able to walk where their curiosity leads them.
At the heart of the Elementary Division, both teachers and students flourish within a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect, where diversity is celebrated and relationships are cherished. It is an environment where students get to play a meaningful role in deciding the trajectory of their learning experience, and because of that, no two days are ever the same. It truly is a wonderful place to learn and grow.
Courtney Clark
Elementary School Director
Intentional Learning
Evidence-Based, Student-Centered
In the Elementary Division at WES, our teaching is guided by best practices on how children learn. We use research-based curriculum to build strong foundations in reading, math, writing, and critical thinking, while also supporting curiosity, motivation, and memory. Instruction is carefully structured to help students make connections, retain knowledge, and apply it in meaningful ways. Students have access to small class sizes, driven by hands-on learning experiences. As they grow, they develop the confidence and independence to think deeply, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning.
Social-Emotional Learning
Growing Character and Confidence
In the Elementary Division at WES, students grow not only as learners but as people. Through daily routines, Responsive Classroom® practices, and a strong emphasis on kindness and responsibility, students develop self-awareness, empathy, honesty, and respectful relationships. Our shared values are reinforced throughout the school day and explicitly taught in Wellness and Religion classes, helping children understand how their choices impact others and the community. Social-emotional learning supports a joyful, inclusive environment where students feel safe to take risks, solve problems, and thrive together.
Learning Comes to Life
Classrooms without Limits
In our Elementary program, students play an active role in deciding where their learning will take them. Lessons are hands-on, interactive, and responsive to students' curiosity as it develops in real time. Our educators are always on the lookout for new opportunities and community partnerships to help bridge the in-classroom experience with real-world applications that engender a deeper, more lasting understanding of the subject material.
As students progress from second to fifth grade, they are given opportunities to take on an even more proactive role in guiding their learning. As each student's knowledge grows, so does their confidence in their ability to apply what they've learned in the world outside the classroom.
Curriculum by Grade
Students tend to run, not walk, through the school’s front doors, eager to begin each day. Elementary School students at WES are building critical skills in a balanced curriculum full of adventure.
Grade 2
Language Arts (daily)
HMH Into Reading® is a comprehensive literacy program developed using the latest literacy research to ensure that students learn to read and write with confidence. The curriculum is based on research into the essential elements of literacy instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, language, and knowledge building. Robust assessment data provides teachers with information to differentiate reading instruction and monitor student progress toward literacy goals. Teachers have access to a wide selection of award-winning, high-interest texts for whole-class shared reading, which are culturally relevant and diverse, helping students build a strong foundation of background knowledge.
Mathematics (daily)
Bridges® in Mathematics is a comprehensive PK–5 curriculum that focuses on developing students’ deep understanding of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges® blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. Lessons are rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners. The curriculum comprises three distinct but integrated components: Problems & Investigations, Work Places, and Number Corner.
Through the Bridges® in Mathematics, we develop the five attributes of a successful mathematician:
- Conceptual Understanding: comprehension of mathematical concepts, operations, and relations.
- Procedural Fluency: skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately.
- Strategic Competence: ability to formulate, represent, and solve mathematics problems.
- Productive Disposition: the habitual inclination to see mathematics as sensible, useful, and worthwhile, coupled with a belief and diligence in one's efficacy.
- Adaptive Reasoning: capacity for logical thought, reflection, explanation, and justification.
Social Studies
Students often ask, "Where am I?" and "How are we connected?" As we explore themes of identity, community, and connection, they learn how to read maps, locate places, and gather information to deepen their understanding of different topics.
Science (twice each week)
Developed by the Smithsonian Institute, the class is designed to engage students in a relevant and exciting inquiry-based curriculum. The topics and content are presented through a project-based and hands-on approach, with a purposeful sequence of lessons and emphasis on 21st-century skill development. Students are encouraged to take risks, persevere, adapt, create, and innovate with an empathetic and kind mindset. Topics of Study: 1. Physical Science - How Can We Change Solids and Liquids? 2. Life Science - How Can We Find the Best Place For Plants To Grow? 3. Earth and Space - What Can Maps Tell Us About Land and Water on Earth? 4. Engineering and Design: How Can We Stop Soil from Washing Away?
World Language (twice each week)
Through stories, songs, interactive games, and audiovisual aids, students explore the French or Spanish language and culture. The class activities focus on gradually developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through cultural awareness, promoting more meaningful and effective language learning.
Music (twice each week)
Music plays a vital role in every child's life at WES. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of music, helping children become musically literate, engaged audience members, or accomplished performers from a young age. Students will have diverse opportunities to experience and learn music through singing, movement, performances, and playing instruments. They will develop greater independence in their singing skills, learn basic music theory, participate in ensemble performances, and start creating their own melodic and rhythmic compositions.
Art (twice each week)
Students use the elements of art elements and design to express creativity, 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 approach art-making and understanding by creating new work, presenting their work, responding to the work of others, and making connections to the world.
Religion (weekly)
Elementary Religion classes study the Bible, with Grades 2 & 3 focused on the First (Old) Testament. Grade 2 students learn about the structure and history of the First Testament and explore stories from Genesis. Students build connections between these stories and WES’s R.E.A.C.H program, with a focus on how they can grow in the virtues and share the love of God in the world.
Physical Education (three times each week)
The physical education program combines both traditional and non-traditional elements of physical education. The curriculum is designed to offer our students the opportunity to take on a wide variety of new challenges and activities, as well as continue to build upon past experiences. By engaging and motivating our students in the PE program, it is our goal to instill the importance of regular exercise and empower them to take responsibility for their personal health and fitness.
Library (weekly)
Students learn how to search online for specific titles in the library collection and how to find books by their call numbers. Students explore different genres and are introduced to basic research skills. Students learn how to present short book talks to share their love of literature.
Wellness (weekly)
Wellness classes focus on several social and emotional topics, including safety for oneself and others (such as listening and playground rules), recognizing feelings, empathy, kindness, making and maintaining friendships, problem-solving, mindfulness, and cultivating a growth mindset.
Grade 3
Language Arts (daily)
HMH Into Reading® is a comprehensive literacy program developed using the latest literacy research to ensure that students learn to read and write with confidence. The curriculum is based on research into the essential elements of literacy instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, language, and knowledge building. Robust assessment data provides teachers with information to differentiate reading instruction and monitor student progress toward literacy goals. Teachers have access to a wide selection of award-winning, high-interest texts for whole-class shared reading, which are culturally relevant and diverse, helping students build a strong foundation of background knowledge.
Mathematics (daily)
Bridges® in Mathematics is a comprehensive PK–5 curriculum that focuses on developing students’ deep understanding of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges® blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. Lessons are rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners. The curriculum comprises three distinct but integrated components: Problems & Investigations, Work Places, and Number Corner.
Through the Bridges® in Mathematics, we develop the five attributes of a successful mathematician:
- Conceptual Understanding: comprehension of mathematical concepts, operations, and relations.
- Procedural Fluency: skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately.
- Strategic Competence: ability to formulate, represent, and solve mathematics problems.
- Productive Disposition: the habitual inclination to see mathematics as sensible, useful, and worthwhile, coupled with a belief and diligence in one's efficacy.
Adaptive Reasoning: capacity for logical thought, reflection, explanation, and justification.
Social Studies (daily)
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 of the value and accuracy of history through perspective-taking, “reading” historical texts, and developing stories in diverse formats.
Music (twice each week)
Music plays a vital role in every child's life at WES. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of music, helping children become musically literate, engaged audience members, or accomplished performers from a young age. Students will have diverse opportunities to experience and learn music through singing, movement, performances, and playing instruments. They 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.
Science (twice each week)
Developed by the Smithsonian Institute, the class is designed to engage students in a relevant and exciting inquiry-based curriculum. The topics and content are presented through a project-based and hands-on approach, with a purposeful sequence of lessons and emphasis on 21st-century skill development. Students are encouraged to take risks, persevere, adapt, create, and innovate with an empathetic and kind mindset. Topics of Study: 1. Physical Science - How Do We Predict Patterns of Motion? 2. Life Science - What Explains Similarities and Differences Between Organisms? 3. Earth and Space - How Do Weather and Climate Affect Our Lives? 4. Engineering and Design: How Can We Protect Animals When Their Habitat Changes?
World Language (twice each week)
Students are introduced to the culture and language of the French or Spanish-speaking world through stories, songs, audio-visual aids, and engaging activities. They will enhance and expand their vocabulary both orally and in writing, while also learning about and comparing holidays and celebrations throughout the year.
Art (twice each week)
Students use the elements of art elements and design to express creativity, 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 approach art-making and understanding by creating new work, presenting their work, responding to the work of others, and making connections to the world.
Religion (weekly)
Elementary Religion classes study the Bible, with Grades 2 & 3 focused on the First (Old) Testament. Grade 3 students learn about the structure and history of the First Testament and explore stories from Exodus and the Prophets. Students build connections between these stories and WES’s R.E.A.C.H. program, with a focus on how they can grow in the virtues and share the love of God in the world.
Physical Education (three times each week)
The physical education program combines both traditional and non-traditional elements of physical education. The curriculum is designed to offer our students the opportunity to take on a wide variety of new challenges and activities, as well as continue to build upon past experiences. By engaging and motivating our students in the PE program, it is our goal to instill the importance of regular exercise and empower them to take responsibility for their health and fitness.
Library (weekly)
Students read, discuss, and learn to differentiate between different types of nonfiction. Students are taught how to search the catalog and how to put books on hold. Library activities enrich and extend social studies and language arts units.
Wellness (once each week)
Grade 3 Wellness is filled with fun activities, games, and kinesthetic learning. Students begin the year by building their “feelings” vocabulary. They will learn how to identify how they feel and how others feel by looking at their faces, bodies, tone of voice, and the situation. We move on to emotion management. Grade 3 Wellness uses the “Superflex” Curriculum. Superflex is a program where children learn how to become their own social superheroes-observing situations, interpreting clues, taking perspective, social problem solving, and using metacognitive strategies to self-regulate to meet their social and academic goals. Students will learn various calm-down strategies, such as belly breathing, square breathing, counting, and positive self-talk. Students will round out the year with problem-solving and mindfulness.
Grade 4
Language Arts (daily)
HMH Into Reading® is a comprehensive literacy program developed using the latest literacy research to ensure that students learn to read and write with confidence. The curriculum is based on research into the essential elements of literacy instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, language, and knowledge building. Robust assessment data provides teachers with information to differentiate reading instruction and monitor student progress toward literacy goals. Teachers have access to a wide selection of award-winning, high-interest texts for whole-class shared reading, which are culturally relevant and diverse, helping students build a strong foundation of background knowledge.
Mathematics (daily)
Bridges® in Mathematics is a comprehensive PK–5 curriculum that focuses on developing students’ deep understanding of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges® blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. Lessons are rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners. The curriculum comprises three distinct but integrated components: Problems & Investigations, Work Places, and Number Corner.
Through the Bridges® in Mathematics, we develop the five attributes of a successful mathematician:
- Conceptual Understanding: comprehension of mathematical concepts, operations, and relations.
- Procedural Fluency: skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately.
- Strategic Competence: ability to formulate, represent, and solve mathematics problems.
- Productive Disposition: the habitual inclination to see mathematics as sensible, useful, and worthwhile, coupled with a belief and diligence in one's efficacy.
Adaptive Reasoning: capacity for logical thought, reflection, explanation, and justification.
Social Studies (daily)
Our Social Studies curriculum will address the following compelling questions: What makes people brave? When do people act? What is the legacy of their actions? The overarching themes we will discuss are bravery, identity, and independence. Students will develop social studies skills in geographical awareness (world, nation, family), chronological thinking, research, main idea and supporting detail, and public speaking.
Band Exploratory (weekly)
Students will convene weekly to engage in the Band Exploratory Program. This program offers hands-on introductions to a selection of core band instruments, such as the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and percussion. Participants will develop fundamental techniques and methods for each instrument, enhancing their skills in music reading and performance.
Chorus (weekly)
Students will participate in weekly rehearsals dedicated to vocal exploration and skill development. These sessions will not only focus on enhancing their singing abilities but will also include a comprehensive general music curriculum. Throughout the course, we will explore essential music theory concepts, enabling students to grasp the fundamental building blocks of music. Additionally, we will embark on an exciting journey into digital music creation using Soundtrap, where students will learn how to compose, record, and produce their own music projects.
Science (twice each week)
Developed by the Smithsonian Institute, the class is designed to engage students in a relevant and exciting inquiry-based curriculum. The topics and content are presented through a project-based and hands-on approach, with a purposeful sequence of lessons and emphasis on 21st-century skill development. Students are encouraged to take risks, persevere, adapt, create, and innovate with an empathetic and kind mindset. Topics of Study: 1. Physical Science - How Does Motion Energy Change in Collision? 2. Life Science - How Can Animals Use Their Senses to Communicate? 3. Earth and Space - What is Our Evidence That We Live on a Changing Earth? 4. Engineering and Design: How Can We Provide Energy to People’s Homes?
World Language (twice each week)
Students are introduced to new cultures of the French or Spanish-speaking world through stories and audio-visual aids. They will reinforce and expand specific vocabulary both orally and in writing, as well as learn, compare, and describe holidays and celebrations throughout the year. Using cultural awareness, activities will focus on gradually developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to promote more meaningful and useful language learning.
Art (twice each week)
Students use the elements of art elements and design to express creativity, 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 approach art-making and understanding by creating new work, presenting their work, responding to the work of others, and making connections to the world.
Religion (weekly)
Elementary Religion classes study the Bible, with Grade 4 primarily focused on the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout Grades 4-5, students learn about the structure and history of the New Testament and build connections between these stories and WES’s R.E.A.C.H. program, focusing on how they can cultivate virtues and share the love of God in the world.
Physical Education (three times each week)
The physical education program combines both traditional and non-traditional elements of physical education. The curriculum is designed to offer our students the opportunity to undertake a wide variety of new challenges and activities, continuing to build upon their past experiences. By engaging and motivating our students in the PE program, it is our goal to instill the importance of regular exercise and empower them to take responsibility for their health and fitness.
Wellness (weekly)
Grade 4 Wellness is filled with fun activities, games, and team building. Students begin the year by building their “feelings” vocabulary. They will learn how to identify how they feel and how others feel by looking at their faces, bodies, tone of voice, and the situation. Grade 4 students also begin to learn about the brain and how our brain reacts when we have strong emotions. Students will learn a variety of calm-down strategies, such as belly breathing, square breathing, counting, and positive self-talk. Students will round out the year with problem-solving and mindfulness. In the spring, students will have developmentally appropriate lessons on male and female puberty, focusing specifically on hygiene and the early stages of their changing bodies.
Grade 5
Language Arts (daily)
HMH Into Reading® is a comprehensive literacy program developed using the latest literacy research to ensure that students learn to read and write with confidence. The curriculum is based on research into the essential elements of literacy instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, language, and knowledge building. Robust assessment data provides teachers with information to differentiate reading instruction and monitor student progress toward literacy goals. Teachers have access to a wide selection of award-winning, high-interest texts for whole-class shared reading, which are culturally relevant and diverse, helping students build a strong foundation of background knowledge.
Grade 5 Math (daily)
Bridges® in Mathematics is a comprehensive PK–5 curriculum that focuses on developing students’ deep understanding of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges® blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. Lessons are rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners. The curriculum comprises three distinct but integrated components: Problems & Investigations, Work Places, and Number Corner.
Through the Bridges® in Mathematics, we develop the five attributes of a successful mathematician:
- Conceptual Understanding: comprehension of mathematical concepts, operations, and relations.
- Procedural Fluency: skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately.
- Strategic Competence: ability to formulate, represent, and solve mathematics problems.
- Productive Disposition: the habitual inclination to see mathematics as sensible, useful, and worthwhile, coupled with a belief and diligence in one's efficacy.
- Adaptive Reasoning: capacity for logical thought, reflection, explanation, and justification.
Compacted Math
The Compacted Math is an accelerated course that teaches Grade 5 and 6 math in one year, using resources from Reveal Math® with content from Grade 6 Math. It also includes more in-depth extensions and enrichment challenges designed to enhance students' mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Social Studies (4-5 times each week)
The Grade 5 Social Studies curriculum uses identity as an ongoing theme to view and experience the periods of history covered throughout the year. Thematic topics explored are Identity, Culture, Power, Privilege, Systems/Structure, and Resistance. Through these lenses, we will uncover the history of: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, Promise and Perils of Westward Expansion, Enslavement and the Heroic Actions of Abolitionists, and Champions of Change.
Band (twice each week)
Students will meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays playing wind and percussion instruments in a concert band setting, developing instrument technique and musical literacy. Students will be assigned occasional playing assessments to practice, prepare, and record brief video performances at home. Guidance will be provided on expectations for recording and submitting these videos. Culminating public performances will be scheduled in December and April. The school will provide sheet music; usually, a digital copy will be accessible on Google Classroom.
Chorus (weekly)
Students will rehearse once a week primarily for vocal exploration and skill building. This also includes a general music curriculum where we will be covering music theory and a deep dive into music composition with Soundtrap. It is essential that students bring their charged Chromebooks for each class throughout the year. We will use Google Classroom as our main forum for communication and lesson tracking. We are planning school performances in December and April. Regular home practice is expected. The school will provide sheet music, method books, and other supplies, and usually, a digital copy will be accessible on Google Classroom.
Science (twice each week)
Developed by the Smithsonian Institute, the class is designed to engage students in a relevant and exciting inquiry-based curriculum. The topics and content are presented through a project-based and hands-on approach, with a purposeful sequence of lessons and emphasis on 21st-century skill development. Students are encouraged to take risks, persevere, adapt, create, and innovate with an empathetic and kind mindset. Topics of Study: 1. Physical Science - How Can We Identify Materials Based on Their Properties? 2. Life Science - How Can We Predict Change in Ecosystems? 3. Earth and Space - How Can We Use the Sky to Navigate? 4. Engineering and Design: How Can We Provide Fresh Water for Those in Need?
World Language (twice each week)
Students continue to learn about the culture and language of the French or Spanish-speaking world through stories, audiovisual aids, and engaging activities in text and workbooks. They will reinforce and expand specific vocabulary orally and in written form, and learn, compare, and describe holidays and celebrations throughout the year.
Art (twice each week)
Students use the elements of art elements and design to express creativity, 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 approach art-making and understanding by creating new work, presenting their work, responding to the work of others, and making connections to the world.
Religion (weekly)
Elementary Religion classes study the Bible, with Grade 5 especially focused on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout Grades 4-5, students learn about the structure and history of the New Testament and build connections between these stories and WES’s Virtues of the Month, focusing on how they can cultivate these virtues and share the love of God in the world.
Physical Education (twice each week) or Athletics (4 times each week)
Seasonal Athletic Choices
- Fall: Soccer or Cross Country
- Winter: Basketball
- Spring: Lacrosse or Track
Physical Education
The physical education program combines both traditional and non-traditional elements of Physical Education. The curriculum is designed to present our students with the opportunity to take on a wide variety of new challenges and activities and continue to build upon past experiences. By engaging and motivating our students in Physical Education, we aim to instill in them the importance of regular exercise and the need to take responsibility for their health and fitness.
Athletics
Washington Episcopal School believes that a quality interscholastic athletic program is important to a student’s educational experience. WES Athletics is committed to promoting sportsmanship, achievement, integrity, leadership, and team competition. By nurturing and encouraging these ideals through athletics, our goal is to improve each student's athletic ability and fitness and instill in them the principles of teamwork and lifelong physical fitness.
Wellness (once each week)
Grade 5 Wellness is filled with fun activities, games, and team building. Students begin the year by building their “feelings” vocabulary. They will learn how to identify how they feel and how others feel by looking at their faces, bodies, tone of voice, and the situation. Grade 5 students dive deeper into brain science and how our brain reacts when we have a strong emotion. Students will learn a variety of calm-down strategies, such as belly breathing, square breathing, counting, and positive self-talk. In the spring, students will have developmentally appropriate lessons on male and female puberty, exploring gender norms and reinforcing healthy habits. Students will round out the year with problem-solving and mindfulness.
