Academics

Curriculum

Emphasis is on foundations of reading, writing, social studies, math and science with many real-life, hands-on, practical applications of skills. Student learning incorporates experiments, manipulatives, projects, field trips, and current events with community-based learning. We ask each child to work to the best of his or her ability with best effort. Expectations are high for academics and quality. Curriculum is guided by the 'national standards' set forth in the basic core subjects. We administer the Iowa Test of Basic Skills for evaluative purposes and for assessment of our school program. We frequently score in the top ten percent nationally as a school. Individual student assessment occurs anecdotally and within the context of teaching.

Ages/Levels/Ability

Children range in age from five through eleven years. During the course of the school day, we make distinctions based on ability, general age level, and grade levels. We consider the school to be non-graded. Usually children are grouped by ability and achievement for academic work, and each child may work at many different levels. We are able to work with children who are not challenged by the traditional school setting, but we do not have the resources to work with children with more severe learning or behavior problems.

Classroom Management

The children have considerable freedom, but with commensurate responsibility. They are expected to respect the rights of others, support each other, do their best, and do the right thing. Positive behavior is recognized, and natural consequences for all behaviors are experienced. Our standards for conduct and social interaction are very high.

Class Size and Staff

We have approximately thirty students with at least two teachers covering the core curriculum. We have additional teachers on a daily basis from one to three hours to teach a variety of enrichment classes. In the past these have included music, creative movement and yoga, art, Spanish, French, German, Lifeskills, Health, Chat'N'Chew (book discussions), and journalism writing for our Gazette. These enrichment classes vary according to our student population, parental involvement, and parent and teacher talents.

Home Enrichment

In order to form a true parent-child-teacher partnership in our educational process, each child does home-based projects on a daily basis. These assignments are varied and age appropriate, and include: a) five days of homework, two of which are chosen by the child; b) daily required home reading; and c) preparation for presentations. At home, children will prepare and practice brief presentations on a variety of topics, including current events, science, memorized poetry, or "show and tell" for the kindergarten.

Field Trips

Because we truly believe that our community is a classroom, we take approximately 30 field trips each year. Our excursions include visits the Plaza Library, plays, dance performances, concerts, nature centers and museums, and community events. We organize special adventures as well, including a family and community adventure during the fall and a three-day student and teacher overnight trip to Camp Wildwood in LaCygne, Kansas, in May.

Summer School

Summer school is no longer offered by C.S. #1. Information for summer camps may be offered.