Our Instructional Philosophy
Our Instructional Philosophy
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Critical Thinking and Love of Learning
Critical Thinking and Love of Learning
At each level, we prioritize the acquisition of critical thinking skills within a traditionally defined foundational knowledge base (mathematics, classic literature, handwriting, geography, history, science, logic). Fostering curiosity and developing intellectual flexibility are central to effective instruction.
The Whole Student
The Whole Student
ACADEMIC: Students develop intellectual curiosity and critical thinking through personalized and experiential learning in a traditional curriculum rooted in the classics.
CULTURAL: Students build cultural and social knowledge through multi-age experiences, service opportunities, integrative Greek language, and Hellenic art, music, literature and traditions.
SPIRITUAL: Students grow spiritually through religious education and practice in partnership with area Greek Orthodox Churches.
Blending the best of Traditional, Classical, and Montessori Education Models
Blending the best of Traditional, Classical, and Montessori Education Models
"Play is the highest form of research."
-Albert Einstein
Technology & Homework
Technology & Homework
Technology
Embracing a balanced approach to education, we integrate technology into the classroom thoughtfully and selectively, leveraging its power where it enhances learning. Our commitment to a timeless, old-world approach to education ensures that technology serves as a valuable tool, complementing the rich and foundational learning experiences we provide for your child's holistic development.
Homework
While we maintain a low-homework philosophy, we recognize the importance of keeping parents informed about their child's learning journey. Students will bring home a 'Classroom Snapshot'—a brief yet insightful glimpse into the day's lessons. This snapshot, consisting of three or four representative problems, ensures parents remain connected with their child's educational experience without compromising valuable family time. The goal is a meaningful, 15-minute window into the exciting discoveries happening in our classrooms each day.
Our curriculum includes:
Our curriculum includes:
How to think critically
Where major countries are on a map
How to write in cursive
History of Western Civilization
Great works from the Classical canon
History, teachings and prayers of the Greek Orthodox Church
Greek language and root words
Classical Greek Philosophy and Mythology
How to have an intelligent discussion using logic and reason
A Sample Day in 2nd Grade
A Sample Day in 2nd Grade
The following schedule represents a typical day in the second grade.
8:15-8:45 - Morning Prayers/Morning Meeting
The Trisagion (Greek)
The Lord’s Prayer (Greek)
A Child’s Prayer (English)
Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gift of this new day.
When you came to earth for us, You grew as a child in wisdom and grace.
As Lord You received children in Your arms.
You blessed them and said that Your kingdom belongs to them.
Dear Jesus, receive me also on this day and hear my morning prayer.
Bless my parents, teachers and all those who love and care for me.
Bless me, also, and protect me from danger and evil.
Give me strength to be truthful, honest, kind and helpful to others.
Guide me to grow in grace and wisdom as a member of Your kingdom.
You are my Lord and King, and to You I give praise and thanks forever. Amen.
8:50-9:20 - Math
Students are starting their unit on money. They are using coins and dollar bills to “buy” classroom items with a partner who must then give them change. There is a contest to see who can sell their items with the most accuracy and speed. The unit will culminate in a bake sale where the students will budget and plan for the sale, run the sale for the school and church community, count their money, and calculate their profits.
9:25-9:55 - Physical Movement (PE, Dance, Movement)
Today, a parent volunteer is coming in to do Greek dance with the students. On other days the students do various exercises and physical games during this time.
10:00-10:45 - English Language Arts
Students have just finished reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl in class together. Now they are writing an advertising pitch for a candy creation of their own after a class discussion on advertising and marketing in the novel. The unit connects conceptually to their bake sale unit in math.
10:50-11:20 - Greek Language and Culture
Students begin with circle time and the song, ‘Γύρω γύρω ολοι’ about taking turns. Today’s lesson focuses on the verb -εγώ έχω../εσυ έχεις. Students briefly take turns speaking and asking questions about parts of the body. Class concludes with a hidden flash card game practicing recognition of Greek letters of the alphabet while providing a word with each one.
11:25-12:25 - Lunch/Recess
After a 30 minute lunch in their classrooms, students go outside for 30 minutes of free play in a roped off area of the church grounds.
12:30-1:15 - Specials 1 (Science, STEM, History, Religion, Library, Art, Music)
Today the children have Religion. Fr. Jonathan is coming in to give a short lesson about St. Gregory Palamas and the Second Sunday of Great Lent and have Question and Answer time with the students.
1:20-2:05 - Specials 2 (Multi-Age Learning)
Students have ongoing inquiry projects with a multi-age group of students with whom they meet once a week. One group of 2nd-5th graders are researching the planes of World War II for a kids podcast that they are creating. Another group has observed that the walkway outside the church gets slick when it rains. They are researching types of stone and their properties and working on a presentation to explain the problem and suggest solutions based on their research. These activities are generated from the interests of the students and are primarily led by the older students in the group, with support and supervision from advisory faculty.
2:10-2:40 - Auditory Reading Time
The teacher is reading Charlotte’s Web aloud to the class while they draw, color, or do another craft.
2:40-3:00 - End of the Day Prayer/Carpool Time
3:00-3:45 - Greek Music After-school Group Class
Two of the second graders have been taking music lessons outside of school. Once a week after school they participate in a group music lesson with other kids from the school where an outside teacher comes in and teaches them Greek songs to play together. This is run and paid for separately from the school but happens as an after school offering in the building coordinated by the school.
3:45-5:30 - After-school care program
Students whose parents work or who have activities in the afternoon can stay for the after-school care program where they complete their homework and have free play time in a roped-off area of the church grounds.
Weekly
Religion, Library, Art, Music, Science, History, and a Multi-age Learning time will be incorporated into the weekly schedule.
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