Philosophy

From our Early Childhood Program through Middle School, our program is based on proven European curricula noted for their success in developing students’ strengths across academic disciplines, as well as critical thinking skills, social-emotional competencies, artistic expression, and motor skills. This is combined with literature-rich English language instruction from Elementary School forward.

German language immersion is a key feature of our program through the eighth grade. Instead of providing foreign language instruction as a separate topic a few times each week as in many schools, we provide our students an immersive and systematic language experience integrated with our academic curriculum.

Another key feature of our program is the early introduction of advanced science topics such as chemistry, biology, physics as early as the fifth grade. In addition, our curriculum employs a unique spiral sequence in which recurring topics are presented in ever increasing detail and complexity. This powerful approach allows students to grasp connections between topics as they deepen their understanding with each iteration.

By undertaking a large part of their studies in the German language, our elementary and middle school students gain access to exceptional German textbooks, workbooks, and other learning tools. These expertly developed materials present complex subjects in an inviting, intuitive, and developmentally appropriate way, supporting efficient learning with minimal frustration. Using German materials also means that a high degree of differentiation is built in to our curriculum because the texts themselves support multiple levels of complexity. This helps teachers meet the needs of each student, whether advanced or needing more support, and reflects the state of the art in educational practice.

In accordance with the latest research into how children learn, our students do more of their learning in class and receive less homework than in other schools. This allows children the afterschool downtime they need to assimilate all they have learned throughout the day. It also frees them to pursue their individual interests, whether through our afterschool activities or in the community. Less homework also eliminates what is often a major source of family stress and allows families simply to enjoy their evenings together.