Curriculum

Our Academic Curriculum
Teaching at the Neighborhood Schoolhouse takes place within integrated, thematic units explored over weeks or months. Through these in-depth studies, lessons in reading, writing, math, science, social studies, art and music become practical, meaningful and insightful. We encourage children to act upon their natural curiosity and allow their interests to guide the study. Students at our school learn by interacting with materials, people and ideas.

Teaching Style
Neighborhood Schoolhouse classrooms are small communities in which teachers and students know each other very well. Teachers understand that what works for one student may not work for another, therefore they accommodate a variety of learning styles and paces. Our teaching is creative and hands-on, including time for both collaborative and independent learning.

Skill Development
At our school, the scope and sequence for skill development is outlined by the curriculum. The content, or context within which skills are addressed, arises from student questions.

Our Social Curriculum
We believe, ultimately, that education must encourage children to care about themselves, about others, and about their own abilities to affect positive change in their world. For this reason, our curriculum features strong social and emotional growth components. We challenge students to be responsible to themselves, others and the environment. We encourage them to resolve conflicts peacefully, to respect all, and to become empowered individuals. In the classroom, students learn to communicate their ideas, listen to others, make collective decisions and accomplish goals together. Throughout our school, adults guide students' social development through active modeling, attachment building, planned group activities and conflict resolution.

Our Special Programs
The Neighborhood Schoolhouse supplements its core curriculum with a variety of special programs, subjects and events.
Music: Our weekly program includes an All School Sing, and choral music instruction.
Physical Education: Primary and elementary students have classes at the Gibson-Aiken Center weekly. In Januaryr, children participate in a winter sports program of skiing, snowshoeing, and skating.