The Curriculum at The Whole School

The Approach

Your child will have the opportunity to learn a genuine respect for the wisdom in all cultures experiencing many cultures through songs, games, dances, art and stories. Teachers will carefully choose classroom material, finding and developing age appropriate stories that will speak directly to the children and their stage of development. When your child sees himself mirrored powerfully in the guise of another culture he will carry his connection to that culture throughout his life. Furthermore, French will be integrated into the curriculum throughout the day, starting in kindergarten.

School Hours

Our school day begins at 9am and ends at 3pm Monday through Thursday and 9am through 12noon on Fridays.

The Environment

Your child will be nurtured by a simple environment that allows students to relax into the rhythms of the day. Children's innate senses of wonder provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the magic of the ordinary world. Your child will gain a deep understanding and appreciation for the world though art, stories, song, active play and environmental education. Being outside, good nutrition and movement are woven into a schedule that includes opportunities to explore many activities that grow naturally from living and working together. Your child may further explore and apply what she is learning through projects that have meaning to her. This will help her to forge a stronger connection to her classmates, her community and the greater environment.

Early Education

Our early education program will serve ages thirty-three months to five years of age. The program will consist of a two full and one half day kindergarten program for older children and a two half day a week preschool program for younger children.

The Grades

For the 2007-2008 school year we offer a mixed age classroom for first and second grade. This program will be open to full time and part time students. Each year following we will be adding a grade. Our vision is to extend through the eighth grade. If the demand is great, grades may be added sooner.

The grade school program will encompass the following subjects:
Mathematics - Number recognition of 1-100; Four processes; Number rhythm and patterns; Place value and carrying; Multiplication tables; and Simple oral word problems.
Movement Arts - Group games and exercises; Circle and pair dances from around the world; Group and pair bean bag exercises; Skiing and other outdoor activities.
Foreign Language - French; Recitation of poetry; Songs, dances, arts, crafts, and games.
Science - Stories, arts, crafts and outdoor adventures; Observation skills, in particular seasonal changes.
Language skills - Rhythmic poetry; Letter recognition; Sight words; Printing and journal; Intro to phonics; Drama; Prose writing; Phonic skills; Syllabication; Reading groups.
Music - Songs with fluid rhythms; Recorder playing; Work with hand signature; Intro to rhythmic clapping.
Geography - Natural world in our local area; Local Environmental studies.