A schedule is more than logistics. It reflects a school's priorities, philosophy, and pedagogy. Our schedule is built around the student because we place the child at the center of every lesson we teach and every decision we make. We also create opportunities for deep learning, both for students and faculty.
Long class periods reduces the number transitions and gives students opportunities for deep, focused learning. Lower School students enjoy a slower, age-appropriate pace, and Middle School students have time for independent work throughout the week.
On Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, school begins at 8:00 a.m. with drop-off starting at 7:30. Thursdays look a little different, with a late start at 9:00. Families can still drop off their students at 7:30 for an optional activity period.
Physical activity is so important for young learners, and different age groups need to move around at different times of day. For example, kindergarteners need more frequent playtime, and teens perform better cognitively when they start their day with excercise.
In Lower School, young students need time to perch in an activity or space. Often, schools make the mistake of specializing the curriculum too early, with too many bosses and transitions.
Our schedules strategically balance academics, physical activity, community time, and differentiated learning. An optional activity period on Thursday gives kids a chance to burn some energy and gives faculty an opportunity to collaborate in the morning, which is more productive compared to traditional after-school department meetings. The optional late start also gives parents a built-in window for scheduling doctor appointments without missing class time.
Schedules vary by grade level, but they all strategically balance academics, physical activity, community time, and differentiated learning. Thursdays look a little different, with a later start at 9:00. Families can still drop off their students at 7:30 for an optional activity period.
In the video below, Head of Lower School Shanna Prewitt-Hines provides an overview of our class schedules. Shanna explains why young kids prefer a slower pace with fewer transitions and fewer teachers. She then walks through a sample schedule and illustrates how it has been built around the student and our mission to nurture the whole child.
Head of Lower School Shanna Prewitt-Hines provides an overview and explains the philosophy behind the class schedules for grades K–4.