Explanations
Pass your mouse over the subjects, left, to see their explanations below.
Mathematics
Grades K-4
The early grades lay the foundation for lasting interest and understanding, when children are led to discovery of the patterns, facts, principles and structures of mathematics
In grades K through 4, children learn to read, understand and work with whole numbers and fractional numbers. They use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They have experiences involving measurement of money, time, length, liquid, temperature, and weight. Mathematical ideas developed include sets, mathematical sentences, problem solving, and elementary geometry.
Reading and Spelling
Grades K-4
These begin in kindergarten with phonetic instruction. The children do not merely learn to read, they become readers. From the very beginning the children learn to read with the classics. The purpose of the reading program in the first K-4 grades is to help the students to read without undue vocalization, recall details, obtain the main idea, summarize, and utilize headings and classifications. Basic skills in spelling are emphasized.
Language
Grades K-4
Language teaching is a day long activity. All day children are experiencing, observing, reading, listening, talking, and writing ideas. Children begin learning grammar in kindergarten and by 4th grade are familiar with nouns, verbs, adjectives, pronouns, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, and phrases. Emphasis is placed on punctuation in these early grades.
Science
Grades K-4
In a rapidly changing, and technically oriented society, science education is fundamental for effective citizenship. Beginning in kindergarten with the biological sciences, the students are led further into the Solar System, the Physical Environment, Matter, and Energy. Students learn to develop a better understanding of the natural physical world, and to gain some understanding of the methods used in science.
Social Studies
Grades K-4
In Social Studies the students are encouraged to understand the interrelation of community life and the way people meet their varied needs. Concepts of direction, time, distance, and location are broadened. History includes the early history of California and the United States.
Spanish
Grades K-4
Spanish is begun in the early grades. Here the students concentrate on vocabulary, pronunciation, and dialogue.
Physical Education
Grades K-4
Students aquire skills in locomotion and motor skills. They participate in low organizational games and team building activities through games. Good sportsmanship is emphasized.
Computers
Grades K-4
Students are exposed to basic terminology and become familiar with the keyboard and the use of the mouse. They are encouraged to use the computer creatively at this stage.
Music and Art
Grades K-4
The students discover that music and art are a vital part of life and a means of personal expression.
Mathematics
Grades 5-6
We will be developing and refining the basic skills and operations for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Fractions, decimals, concepts of measurement, algebra and geometry are introduced during this period. We will develop the principals of problem solving and the understanding needed to put into practical use this ability in everyday situations. We will attempt to instill an appreciation of the historical value of math and an awareness of its importance in today’s society. Stress is also put upon the understanding of the symbolism and terminology of modern math.
English
Grades 5-6
We want to develop effective listening and speaking skills. We desire to develop concrete skills in reading that will include an effective vocabulary, will enhance comprehension, and further define word attack skills that were learned in the primary grades. We wish also to improve writing habits, mechanics of good grammar, and an appreciation for creative writing. Emphasis is put upon further improvement of the basic skills in spelling. An appreciation for classical literature is stressed in our English program.
History and Geography
Grades 5-6
We desire to introduce the concept of history and geography and its interdependence with mankind. One must learn to understand the economic, political, and social relationships among nations and their peoples. In order for our students to do this we instruct them in basic geography and map skills, so that they may better understand the ways in which different societies have met their needs by a utilization of their resources and culture.
Science
Grades 5-6
A student's appreciation of our science program, which includes both life and physical science areas, will be enhanced by his developing the ability to interpret data, to apply scientific facts and principles through experimentation in the classroom, and to understand basic scientific reasoning. It is further hoped that we may be able to increase the student’s ability to think logically, critically and creatively in terms of scientific attitudes and concepts.
Spanish
Grades 5-6
Spanish is continued in the upper school. Grammar is introduced. Emphasis is placed on dialog, pronunciation, and vocabulary. Spanish, which is a universal language and a stepping stone to the understanding of other languages, is presented to the student at each grade level.
Physical Education
Grades 5-6
Focus is placed on skill building, leading to team and individual sports competition. Soccer, badminton, basketball, and softball are explored. Team spirit & cooperation are prime.
Computers
Grades 5-6
Students are taught to touch type in the upper grades as well as to use the computer as a resource for information. Basic word processing is also introduced. The students correspond with other schools over the internet.
Music and Art
Grades 5-6
The students discover that music and art are a vital part of life and a means of personal expression.
