Curriculum

Lower School Academics

The formative years of pre-kindergarten through grade five are a time when students need to be nurtured and guided. Emphasis is placed on building vocabulary, developing critical thinking and challenging the student to reason logically. Art, physical education, music and library science are important creative outlets in the elementary school’s curriculum. Students gain enrichment from field trips and resource speakers.

The basic program in the first three grades centers around language arts with an emphasis on instruction in word recognition skills, phonics, oral and silent reading, spelling, manuscript and cursive writing, and creative writing. Also included in the curriculum are the fundamental processes of mathematics, science, health and social studies. Pre-kindergarten through grade three are self-contained.

Grades four and five are departmentalized. Each homeroom teacher at this level is the instructor to her homeroom in language arts. One teacher on each grade level is responsible for teaching science, one for mathematics, one for English and one for social studies.

Middle School Academic Program

Middle school (Grades 6-8) is a transitional period for academic and social growth between the elementary and secondary levels.

The required courses are English, social studies, science, mathematics, reading, physical education and introduction to computers. Enrichment courses such as etymology, band and art are offered. Eighth graders may begin an advanced math tract by taking Algebra I if they meet the qualifications based on teacher recommendation, prior grades, and test scores.

The middle school maintains its own extracurricular activities, enabling students in this transitional period to have ample opportunities to develop their own talents.

Upper School Academic Program

High school students at Washington School are encouraged to develop intellectual curiosity, self-sufficiency, honor and a love of learning. The curriculum is college preparatory. Honors sections, advanced courses, and dual enrollment classes for college credit are available for students who are motivated and meet the qualifications, based on teacher recommendation, prior grades, and test scores. The academic goals are proficiency in written and oral English, the ability to use math concepts, an understanding of history and science and an appreciation for the fine arts.