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PRESCHOOL CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Each Preschool student at Christ Episcopal School undergoes a unique educational experience, in accord with our school’s philosophy. Low teacher-student ratios enable teachers to individually observe and assess each student on an on-going basis. Learning objectives, both individual and group, arise from such assessments. Low teacher-student ratios also enable students to receive more individualized attention from teachers. In addition, in keeping with our school’s philosophy, our Preschool goals are aimed at the development of the whole child. The Preschool program emphasizes developmentally appropriate learning activities and problem-solving skills. Learning is viewed as an interactive process. Preschoolers use materials and engage in activities that are meaningful to them. The school day consists of a rich variety of activities, including readiness skills for reading, math, social studies and science, sharing discussions, outdoor play and story time. Children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development are nurtured and encouraged so that they develop self-esteem and independence. Children may be grouped by age, in mixed-age groups, and/or by developmental level. Teachers are dedicated professionals who are experienced in Early Childhood Education. Children are guided with love and care toward the development of confidence and mastery of skills.

LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The Lower School experience at Christ Episcopal School is dedicated to providing a warm, supportive environment which emphasizes self-esteem and a solid foundation in the basic skills. The faculty is committed to the development of the whole child during this formative period.

General Program

The Lower School is comprised of kindergarten, first, second, third, and fourth grades. The school day is filled with a curriculum which stresses active participation in all phases of a strong academic program. The basic curriculum includes reading, mathematics, phonics, handwriting, and social studies. The reading program stresses language development and engages the students in a community of readers and writers. Phonics integrates basic word study skills with the reading program and is an essential component of the Lower School curriculum. The math program concentrates on a mastery of basic concepts and problem solving skills through active participation. Students have Spanish, science, computers, art and music on a weekly basis. Organized physical education taught five days per week is an important part of everyday life for the students, as it promotes the school's philosophy of nurturing the mind and the body with outdoor activity. If individual circumstances require additional resources, enrichment and individual assistance can be provided through our Learning Specialists. Every morning begins with a brief chapel service in the sanctuary. Middle School and Lower School students participate in the service. The school chaplain, the clergy from Christ Church or an invited guest provide a daily homily. It is at this time that the children are able to meet and sit with their chapel partners from the Middle School.

The Lower School strives to strengthen young children's minds through nurturing and stimulation in a Christian environment. Christian values and ethics are woven throughout the academic program and everyday life at Christ Episcopal School. Christ Episcopal School is committed to recognizing individual potential, fostering the growth of talent and creating a life-long learner in every child.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Christ Episcopal Middle School offers its grades five through eight students a dynamic and challenging academic curriculum in an environment which builds self-confidence and leadership skills. Each student is unique and is allowed to realize his or her academic potential. Christ Episcopal School offers a rich and varied curriculum. Building on the skills and solid foundation that are acquired in the Lower School, the Middle School continues, in a small class environment, to educate its students in the humanities, math, science, and the arts. The student-centered, departmentalized programs stress oral and written expression in addition to critical thinking skills reinforced by daily and long-term assignments. Organizational skills are an integral part of the program. A supportive and highly qualified faculty and staff provide not only interdisciplinary education but also facilitate the development of a strong sense of ethical values which leads to an appreciation for the differences in others.

English / Reading

The Middle School English program focuses on three main areas of language arts study: vocabulary, grammar and writing. Through exposure to a variety of teaching and evaluation techniques, students master language skills, become proficient writers, and are comfortable with oral expression. An understanding and an appreciation of literature are engendered through reading classical and modern authors. The reading program's use of novels and the classroom literature program develop reading comprehension skills, reading strategies and higher order thinking skills.

Mathematics

The mathematics department offers a program from fifth to eighth grades which encompasses all areas of mathematics: problem solving, computation skills, measurement, prediction, charts and graphs, estimation and real-life application. The seventh grade Pre-Algebra course emphasizes basic elementary algebra. Geometry is also included. Algebra I focuses on the study of elementary algebra. Honors sections are available for Pre-Algebra and Algebra I. Through the use of manipulatives, enrichment materials, and math projects, students develop a number sense which gives them the power to experiment with numbers and a confidence in their mathematical judgments.

Social Studies

The Middle School social studies program aspires to promote the students' continuing interest in history, geography and related social sciences. Students analyze and draw conclusions from the study of historical events. The fifth grade program focuses on topics in American history. In the sixth grade the civilizations of Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome are studied. Seventh graders explore the history of the United States from exploration to the Vietnam War. The eighth grade Comparative Governments course compares the political and economic systems of communism, socialism, and fascism, and monarchy to democracy and capitalism. Students research and write analytical historical papers. They cogently and with confidence express their views orally in formal debates, seminars, and mock trials.

Science

The science program is designed to help students develop an understanding of scientific concepts by becoming actively involved in hands-on learning and experimentation. In the Middle School students use the scientific method to delve and investigate. Examination of evidence and the development of probable theories are encouraged. While the lower grades study a wide variety of units, the fifth and sixth grades study general science. Seventh and eighth grades concentrate on chemistry, physics, biology and botany. Students in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades participate in science projects and fairs.

Physical Education

The physical education program seeks to develop positive interactive play amongst the students. The fifth and sixth grades are taught in daily physical education classes, while the seventh and eighth grade students have physical education classes three days per week. General sports skills and knowledge of the rules and basic strategies based on age appropriateness are taught. Team sports in class include soccer, football, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, swimming, track, hockey and softball. Ballroom dancing is also included. The program encourages sportsmanship, social skills and cooperation. It provides leadership opportunities and recognition of individual abilities. The Sports Program includes fall coed soccer, winter girls and boys basketball, coed swimming and boys and girls spring lacrosse and softball.

Foreign Language

Spanish is offered to all Middle School students. Having developed an appreciation of the Spanish language and culture in the Lower School beginning in Kindergarten, the Middle School students learn to master vocabulary, grammar, and written and oral expression. Students learn to value the Spanish and Hispanic cultures and become aware of their contributions to society.

PROGRAMS & COURSES OF STUDY