Lower Elementary Program

(Grades K to 2)

Mission

Our mission is to cultivate qualities of character, citizenship, and academic curiosity in a safe, secure, and loving environment, providing personal and engaging educational opportunities in academics and the visual and performing arts.

Why we’re special

• Safe, secure, challenging
• 1:16 teacher/student ratio
• Accelerated curriculum
• Saxon Math curriculum
• Accelerated math program
• Harcourt Language Program with emphasis on Phonics, Reading, Comprehension, Listening, Writing, and Grammar
• Reading specialist
• Marvelous Music which includes voice and full scale productions
• Art adventures like the Houston Livestock Show Art Competition and Art History
• P.E./Health and sports — including basketball, flag football, soccer, volleyball, and Presidential Fitness
• Library-Accelerated Reader, Research
• Learning Tech Computer Program
• Academic Competitions
• British Curriculum equivalent

Curriculum

• Math — The Saxon Math program begins in Kindergarten with systematic instruction of related increments. Practice and assessment are linked closely with the instruction of increments, allowing for concentration and immediate practice. Assessments are oral and focus on one or two concepts. Daily Meetings and Math Center activities allow students to engage in continual review and concept introduction. “Saxon Math’s unique approach to math instruction ensures that students not only gain, but also retain essential math skills.” Research studies show that students who receive incremental instruction, continual practice, and cumulative assessment show greater skill acquisition and achievement.*
• The program continues in Grades 1 and 2, with Daily Meeting Boards, incremental instruction, daily fact practice, daily homework, and cumulative assessments. The continual practice of previously presented concepts strengthens students’ grasp and retention of material.
• Grade 2 students attend Accelerated Math computer classes, and the Accelerated Math Libraries are graded and reinforce the math instruction in the classroom. A more individualized approach offers additional practice and supports mastery of concepts. Students prepare for standardized testing formats and develop testing strategies.
• Language — A variety of language programs in the curriculum serve to engage students in such concepts as creative writing, structure, phonics, and verbal expression. Beginning in the lower elementary, children participate in the 'Accelerated Reader' program, which supports classroom reading at a pace tailored to individual abilities.
• Spanish — From the age of four, all students attend courses in Spanish. Children become familiar with Spanish-speaking cultures while learning to write, read, and speak a foreign language.
• Science — Our objective in Science is to ensure that all students learn to love science through hands-on activities while acquiring necessary knowledge in the areas of Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, and Environmental topics. An annual science fair gives students the opportunity to showcase their favorite science topic.
• Social Studies — Students explore an array of topics from communities to United States History to foreign cultures. Frequent field trips, individual projects and group projects help students gain first-hand knowledge of lessons learned in the classroom. Annual Social Studies Fair highlights students’ gifts, talents, and interests.
• Computer — Starting at the age of five, students are taught to effectively use the computer and its applications, including the Windows operating system, Internet access tools, Microsoft Word, Excel, desktop publishing, drawing packages and PowerPoint, along with typing and keyboarding.
• Library — All students participate in library activities, including checking out library books, having stories read to them, listening and engaging in short stories, classic literature, poetry, puppetry, and more. The Accelerated Reader program begins in 1st grade.
• Music and Art — From school musical productions to studies in art history, Yorkshire prides itself on the opportunities it offers students to discover their creative talents and practice such fundamental skills as coordination, listening, and teamwork.
• Physical Fitness/Health — Yorkshire’s PE program provides age-appropriate activities for exercising the body and mind. Students sharpen coordination skills while practicing concepts including teamwork, taking turns, and sportsmanship. Once a week health class instructs students on topics including nutrition, how our bodies work, and healthy life choices.

* Source: Summaries of these findings and studies are reported in a document titled Scientific Research Base for Saxon Math K-12.