Reading and Social Studies: Houghton Mifflin is the reading program chosen for students in grades K-5. Houghton Mifflin is a scientific research-based reading program built around rich, authentic literature, and powerful, step-by-step instruction that lets students experience success from the very beginning. This program provides built-in resources for meeting individual needs-including leveled books, resources for English language learners, powerful intervention programs, and activities that stimulate the interest of all learners. With evidence of effectiveness based on scientific research, the Houghton Mifflin reading program is proven to work, and aligned with the expectations of the federal "No Child Left Behind" Act and "Reading First" legislation. Additionally, powerful, comprehensive instruction in the five strands of reading -- phonic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension -- is provided in an explicit, systematic approach.

Saxons Phonics: Saxons Phonics is a supplemental researched-based phonics program. Students in kindergarten through second grade receive 45 minutes to an hour of intensive phonics instruction each day through incremental development and continual review. Throughout the Saxons program, students are provided direct instruction, guided and independent practice through worksheets, flashcards (word, picture, letter, and sound), games, decodable texts, and weekly assessments. Saxons also tests students' comprehension, provides writing practice, and familiarizes them with standardized test formats.

Mathematics: The lower school has implemented the use of the Houghton-Mifflin Mathematics curriculum. Houghton-Mifflin Math is a researched-based math program for students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. Our students are instructed through an investigative and hands-on approach to mastering math skills and concepts. Houghton-Mifflin also provides support to both students and teachers through a wide variety of resources that meet the needs of all learners and levels of instruction. There is a strong focus on skill building and problem-solving through the use of manipulatives, guided and independent practice, and assessment.

Science: Full Option Science System (FOSS) is the chosen Elementary School science program. FOSS program materials are designed to meet the challenge of providing meaningful science education for all students in diverse classrooms and to prepare them for life in the 21st century. FOSS incorporates methodologies such as hands-on inquiry and interdisciplinary projects with contemporary methodologies, such as multi-sensory observation and collaborative learning groups. Development of the FOSS program was guided by recent advances in the understanding of how youngsters think and learn. In grades K-5, all students have been instructed using modules from various disciplines, such as Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science and Scientific Reasoning and Technology.