The core of Graystone Academy’s Elementary curriculum is rooted in the fundamentals of learning. We balance these vital areas of education with unique elective courses designed to challenge each student to reach their full potential – mind, body and spirit. We emphasize academic rigor, high achievement, and a creative environment to connect students to their community and the world. In addition, small class sizes allow us to focus on the individual needs of each child.

The Curriculum

Mathematics (Grades 1-5)*
We employ a rigorous, scientific research-based mathematics curriculum called Everyday Mathematics. This program is proven to increase students’ knowledge from basic to higher order thinking and develop critical problem solving skills. The curriculum is based on real life situations where children become actively involved in learning while building a solid foundation to understand abstract and symbolic concepts.

Science (Grades 1-6)
Our elementary science curriculum goes beyond traditional textbook instruction by allowing students to engage in hands-on activities. Classrooms are equipped with FOSS (Full Option Science System link) science kits that enable children to experiment and explore how science impacts their lives. Topics include but are not limited to levers and pulleys, mixtures and solutions, variables, water, balance and motion, electricity, and rocks and minerals. This activity-based approach allows children to observe the practical aspect of science, as well as experiment, interpret and propose solutions that test their own scientific theories.

Social Studies (Grades 1-5)*
We use a standards-based social studies content. The curriculum is organized around themes to instill citizenship through real-life role models. In addition, the program integrates reading support into every lesson.

Reading/Language Arts (Grades 1-6)
StoryTown, a research-based, developmental reading and language arts program, offers our students an organized, sequential approach to learning essential reading skills and strategies. We use high-quality children’s literature and informational texts in a variety of literary genres to emphasize systematic instruction in the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing. In addition to classroom instruction, the program provides ample practice of these skills, using a variety of meaningful tools and activities suited to different types of learners and classroom settings.

A Sampling of Electives

Mind

• “Horsin” Around – educates on horsemanship and explores horse-related literature
• Cooking without Heat – develops proficiency with measurement skills; students create a recipe book
• The Bookworm’s Club – builds verbal and storytelling skills through discussions about books and authors
• Mathletes – sharpens analytical skills with structured competitions in math games, puzzles, brain teasers, mysteries, and more

Body

• Soccer – teaches basic soccer skills and techniques
• Intro to Gymnastics – develops kinesthetic awareness, flexibility and strength
• Boot Camp! – emphasizes the importance of physical activity with a combination of lessons on how the full body workout affects the body and why exercise is important and exercise routines

Spirit

• Craft Club – encourages artistic skills to create a collection of fun and decorative pieces
• Sign Language – introduces the basic “American Sign Language” communication skills for speaking
• Drama – develops basic acting techniques
• Sculpture – explores artisanal skills with creation of handmade jewelry, vases and more

*see Middle School Program for sixth grade curriculum in this subject.