Core Learning
Humanities, science and math, each taught by a specialty teacher, plus a kindergarten year built around play, stories and hands-on work.
Humanities
A deep study of language and literacy, with history and social studies woven in.
Building on the English Language Arts Common Core curriculum, students explore themed stories, analyze classic literature and nonfiction, take poems apart, learn songs and movements, and play with oral storytelling.
In social studies they explore community, local and world history, brought to life with field trips, historical re-enactments and projects.
Our goals are to enrich the imagination, encourage a love of reading and writing, and nurture curiosity while building strong academic skills. Students often work in small groups, so teachers can support each child's needs.
Science
Students practice real inquiry: asking questions, gathering data and reflecting on what they find.
Our campus is a perfect place to explore and observe the natural world. Hands-on investigations, stories, games, art, songs and drama help science come alive.
Students work in small groups, with engineering and design challenges and seasonal activities through the year. Lab teams use real tools, from beakers to microscopes, and build their skills year after year.
In the spring, students can take part in Orchard's Science Fair and Invention Convention.
Math
Math through games, hands-on materials and real-life projects, so it stays fun.
Students explore every strand of math:
- number
- algebra
- geometry
- measurement
- logic, patterns and functions
- probability and statistics
They practice mental math, working with partners and on their own. Lessons and materials are varied to suit different learning styles.
We follow the seasons: in the fall, for example, children “investigate” apples by measuring, counting, estimating and graphing. Stories, games and cooking projects tie math to reading and to everyday life.
Kindergarten
A gentle first year, at each child's own pace and without pressure.
We sing, dance, garden, cook, paint and sew, and we learn letters and numbers too.
Our goals are to help children grow emotionally and socially, to feed their curiosity through storytelling, play and questions, to protect childhood, and to work with our hands.
We surround children with beauty, nurturing relationships and a focus on empathy, so they come to love school: a perfect foundation for future learning.