The foundation of our curriculum is found in the work of Harvard Professor Dr. Howard Gardner and his theory recognizing Multiple Intelligences. Our classroom materials are rich and engaging, appealing to the range of intelligences, so that all children can use their learning strengths to help them explore new concepts and content.

Every classroom has activity centers that provide opportunities for children to explore individually or in small groups. These centers focus on the varieties of intelligence:

• A listening center for musical intelligence.
• A book nook for linguistic intelligence.
• A math and science area for logical-mathematical and naturalist intelligence.
• A large open space for kinesthetic intelligence.
• An art center for visual-spatial intelligence.
• A quiet corner for intrapersonal intelligence.
• A large table for interpersonal intelligence

During center time, the teacher acts as:

• a resource to the children who need help,
• a co-player, facilitating and modeling involvement,
• an observer, recording each child's development with the content,
• a provider, giving children information.

Our curriculum is designed to emerge from the interests of the children, as well as the outside environment.  The teachers actively observe and interact with the children to gain an understanding of not only their development but their interests as well.  When planning curriculum themes, the teachers pay attention to the individual learning styles of each child and plan activities to meet the needs of the children in their class.  These themes come from three sources: children's interests, teacher favorites, and the baseline curriculum.   All classes will cover the baseline themes but each classroom will also reflect the unique personalities of the children and its teacher.  Our themes are without time constraints.  Projects evolve and continue as long as there is a sense of adventure for the children.

The curriculum consists of five baseline themes that all classrooms develop during the school year:

1.  Who Am I?

2. The Family and Friends

3. Community

4.  The Global Child

5. Seasons/Time

This list is not all-inclusive. The classroom explores many other themes throughout the year based upon the interest of the children and staff. Themes / activities will vary from class to class.  Examples are outer space, dinosaurs, transportation, what is a living thing, under the sea, etc.

Teachers approach a theme in the following way:

• Observe / document the interest of the children.
• Start with a core concept (big idea)
• Connect/explore what the children already know.
• Introduce new content through children's literature.
• Create an interactive learning plan together (web ideas).
• Develop learning centers with activities that also contain key skills all kindergarten children will need to know.
• Assess learning and construct an on-going portfolio for each child.
• Communicate with parents and invite their involvement in the classroom.