Structure and Curriculum

Preschool

The preschool curriculum is based around monthly themes. Lessons are planned to provide academic progress in preparation for Kindergarten readiness. At the start of school, the teachers administer Developmental Assessments on each child. This enables the teachers to assess where each child stands. Parent conferences are then scheduled to go over the results. The assessment results are used by the teachers implement lessons that enrich and challenge each child. Field trips and assemblies are planned to further enrich our program. Extra-curricular classes are offered to provide students with a wide variety of options. These include a sports program, gymnastics, dance and computers.

Elementary

Instruction is organized along traditional principles of developmentally enriched education. Within a limited class size, students are challenged to reach their full potential. Each class has a credentialed teacher. Specialists in the field of spanish, music, physical education, computer, and art enrich the core educational program.

The program of instruction includes mastery of fundamental academic skills. Through a correlated reading and language arts program, students are instructed in comprehension skills, writing skills, spelling, language arts, and grammar. With the Accelerated Reader program, students in all grades develop an excitement for independent reading, which further enhances the skills taught in the reading program. Grade appropriate research papers and oral presentations at each grade level, allow students to put into practice the skills learned in the reading/language arts program. Students work a grade above in our mathematics program, which emphasizes concrete concepts, along with problem-solving abilities. Science instruction concentrates on concept formation and developing accuracy in observing and recording scientific data. Social Studies includes utilization of community resources, as students gain respect for the way their country meets challenges and prepare to be responsible citizens. Critical Thinking Skills are integrated into every lesson in all grades. Computers are an integral part of our program and with instruction in our state of the art computer lab, students in all grades use them throughout our curriculum.

McDowell also focuses on promoting student responsibility, creativity, and respect for one another. Students in grades three through eight get together for reading, writing, games, and other special activities. Each child in the upper grades takes charge of a “buddy” in grades K-2 for these special times. Our Character Education program promotes a specific character trait each month, with activities and discussions in class.

Each upper grade class also takes responsibility within our school community such as, putting up and taking down the American flag, conducting morning announcements and operating the weekly snack bar at lunch. Our Student Government officers are elected from students in grades 3-8. All grades, K-6, send a class representative to the weekly meetings. Student Government sponsors a variety of activities throughout the school year. Some of these are: National Volunteer Week breakfast, National Teacher Appreciation Week, American Heart Association Jump-A-Thon, Meritas Charity events, school pride projects, Save the Rainforest Penny Collection, Ronald McDonald House Pop Tab collection, Talent Show, and special student events. All of these activities instill a sense of pride, respect for one another, school spirit and giving.

Report cards are issued three times a year for Kindergarten – 5th grade students. Formal Parent Conferences are scheduled two times each year, with informal conferences available anytime at the request of parents or teachers.

Middle (6th-8th)

Today’s world requires critical thinkers and problem solvers; thus, the Middle School Program of Study focuses on motivating our students to achieve a higher level of independent thinking which is a necessity in our world today. Our Mission is to develop a rigorous academic program that will provide the best opportunity to gain admission and honor tracking to the high school of choice while continuing the McDowell traditions of providing a family atmosphere where all students meet their full potential.

Our Middle School teachers work together to create a wide range of cross-curricular learning experiences for our students. Our laptop immersion program emphasizes the core subjects of math, science, social studies, and language arts integrated with the use of technology. In addition, we offer foreign language, leadership, community service, fine arts, and physical education as required (not elective) courses.

The ERB standardized tests are taken each year and students are measured against those of other independent schools and personalized learning plans are created for all students. Report cards are issued four times a year in grades 6-8.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams."
--Thoreau