“The secret of good teaching is to regard the children's intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination. Our aim therefore is not merely to make the children understand, and still less to force them to memorize, but so to touch their imagination as to enthuse them to their innermost core...”

The primary goal of the Elementary Program is to empower children to become confident, competent students. The Elementary classroom, designed for children ages 6-9, is a unique work environment in which instruction begins with concrete realities, adding one difficulty at a time, moving sequentially into abstract theory. The development of critical thinking skills occurs naturally in this type of environment. Active learning with hands-on tasks supports the growth of social skills, reflection and the ability to "figure things out" -- qualities needed throughout life.

This is also the age when the child develops a moral sense, learning what is right and wrong. He sorts out what is "good" and "bad" and what is "fair" and "not fair." He strives to find how he can play an important and meaningful role in life.

The Elementary Curriculum consists of many learning areas including

• Mathematics
• Language Arts
• Social Studies
• Foreign Language
• Geometry
• Science/Nature Studies including Botany & Zoology
• Music Arts

The elementary children are given opportunities to work together or alone to pursue individual or group interests. Their teacher facilitates creativity, independent thinking, and personal responsibility.