The Elementary School of The Community School offers a learning environment which addresses the needs of the whole child.
Underlying the program is our belief that the arts, physical and environmental education, human development, science, mathematics, foreign language and the language arts are all integral and necessary parts of every child's education. Further, we believe that each of these components enhances the others, and that every child should be encouraged to succeed in, and communicate through, every one of these discipline.
Classroom teachers are responsible for teaching mathematics, social studies, the language arts and for fostering the social development of every student. The school employs specialists in each of the other areas (foreign language, science, music, drama,dance, physical education and art) to ensure that every child receives instruction from teachers who are expert in their field and who have the time and energy to concentrate fully on their subject. The elementary teaching staff includes a professional artist, musician and dancer.
We strive to inspire in our students a respect for all humanity. Each student is seen as a unique individual with unique and individual learning styles and needs. Our goal is to promote each student's intellectual, social, physical and emotional development. Students are encouraged to develop qualities of leadership, perseverance and integrity, to think independently, to question and to learn to how to learn.
Our low student / teacher ratio of approximately nine to one throughout the school enables us to provide a supportive and nurturing atmosphere. We strive to help children become cooperative, passionate, and curious human beings. Teachers are able to meet the individual needs of each student while at the same time teaching students to work cooperatively toward common goals.
The elementary school is a family in which everyone works together in support of each other. Regularly scheduled activities such as our bi-weekly community meeting, kindergarten-fifth grade pals, big brother / sister, k-12 activity days, and cross-grade tutoring foster this sense of community. Our students are guided toward a creative and purposeful existence underscored by the joys of learning and living. To this end, we encourage families to become involved in the school and their children's education. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including attending community meetings, visiting and/or working in classrooms, and developing on-going relationships with their children's teachers.