Elementary•Middle School

All students participate in a physical education class on an every other day basis. Physical education classes provide opportunities for students to learn physical skills and confidence through movement and play.
Each class incorporates practice of basic and advanced motor skills through fitness workouts, games, and activities. Sport- and game-based units are focused on learning and practicing the fundamental skills needed to play common sports such as rugby, soccer, and racquet sports. 

Daily warm-ups and workouts seek to increase students’ knowledge of fitness movements (e.g., squats, push-ups, lunges, burpees) and workout structures so that students can maintain physical fitness and build healthy habits both in and out of class. In addition to sport-related units, exposure to aspects of the Project Adventure curriculum is included. These activities are designed to promote community, positive group dynamics, and self-awareness. Students are also introduced to multiple cooperative games and team-building initiatives which emphasize following directions and provide a platform for leadership.

Art of the imagination is an elective class exploring the ways artists see, interpret, and create the world around them using their imagination. Students are asked to draw upon their imaginations with guided prompts and technical drawing support in order to create original works of art. Likewise, students are encouraged to write about their inspirations to reference later. A typical class schedule involves a review of the agenda and a short art demonstration, followed by independent studio time with one-on-one teacher support. Throughout the semester, students will be introduced and taught a variety of artistic mediums including sketching, pen-and-ink drawing, collage, and watercolor.

The bike repair class aims to develop practical, basic bicycle maintenance skills along with emphasizing time management, planning, and safety within the shop environment. The class identifies the major parts and systems and the names of tools and equipment needed for repair. Students are instructed on replacing a flat tire and tube, adjusting shifting and braking systems, and efficient cleaning and lubrication. The class evaluates and assesses the condition of a bike along with accurate recording of information (e.g., make, model, color) on a repair tag. 

Students learn the fundamentals of computer repair, including practical skills to troubleshoot and resolve common computer issues. Students will learn about hardware and software components, basic networking concepts, and customer service skills required for a help desk environment. Through hands-on activities and projects, students will develop problem-solving and critical thinking abilities in the context of computer repair.

The kids around the globe elective focuses on making a difference and changing the world in a positive way. The goal of the class is to turn student passions into action that will make a difference in the lives of people all over the globe. Activities focus on helping students realize their fullest potential to become socially involved with important issues in the school, community, and around the globe. Topics include world hunger, poverty, and refugee life, In class, students discuss issues that concern themselves and other children their age. Students engage with a variety of activities and books covering connected topics.

Students in makers’ studio design a project of their choosing within the realm of art, technology, or building. After following the design process, students develop their projects and problem solve issues along the way.. Students can design and create jewelry, woodworking projects, computer code, and more. The makers’ studio is a space where students can turn their imaginations into reality.

Students in music learn simple, familiar songs. The class practices collaboratively, with a focus on rhythm patterns and accurate timing. Ongoing work includes increased use of chords, introduction to scales, and major and minor chord structures using the piano. Brief explorations of varying genres and musical traditions (e.g., jazz, blues, traditional celtic) augment the lessons of the day and expand the students’ background knowledge. These brief activities celebrate the variety of musical expressions and the many ways the music we play connects us to the larger culture as a whole.

Students will explore how to use a camera (digital and SLR) or phone to take photos which are well composed and utilize different techniques (macro, perspectives, rule of thirds, portrait). Students will understand ISO, shoot in manual and auto, and create uniquely composed photos based on a technique. Our goal will be to publish and showcase several photos taken by the students each semester.

Practical arts emphasizes fundamental skills used within an interdisciplinary project involving small engines, art, and woodworking. Students practice using woodworking tools needed for cutting, sanding, assembly, and painting at various intervals. Instruction is designed to foster each student’s creative ability to work independently as well as in a cooperative learning environment. Projects include designing a glue catch, a geometric shape, a coin box, a paddle boat, or a javelin airplane kit leading to a larger project: the design, cutting, sanding, painting, assembly, and launching of a CO2 car.

Small engines focuses on how a small single-cylinder engine operates and the repair of simple engine problems. Students learn common tools used to perform routine maintenance on a small gasoline engine. Students repair or teardown a single-cylinder, four-cycle gasoline engine. Prior to working on the engine, computer research is utilized to diagnose and research parts needed. Engine history and people who are important to the development of modern engines are incorporated into discussions held in class. Recycling of engine byproducts and the harm to the environment is discussed.

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. This elective class explores a wide range of topics that are designed to stimulate discussion and problem-solving. Lessons may include exploring the chemical reactions, engineering challenges, and hands-on learning. Topics are presented orally and supported with visuals to provide students with examples and illustrations. The class is given time to share their knowledge and collaborate on each project and activity. 

Yoga is an elective class where students are introduced to the many benefits that a consistent yoga practice provides. Students practice a combination of breathing, relaxation, positive thinking, and poses called asanas. They learn and practice the basic foundations of a yoga practice that can help support balance, strength, and body awareness. Students are introduced to a variety of poses to establish a firm foundation. They also participate in guided meditations and are introduced to mindfulness practices to promote self-awareness and positive thinking.