Academics
Academics
Nuanced Teaching
Feeling confident while learning is vital for academic success. It’s difficult for a child to flourish if they feel lost in the classroom. That’s why we invest heavily in providing low student to teacher ratios at St. James’. Our youngest learners in the preschool Dolphins program enjoy a 6:1 ratio, while the older preschoolers, the Butterflies and Kindergarten Readiness students, have a 7:1 ratio. St. James’ Kindergarten program boasts 3 teachers per classroom for an overall ratio of 7:1, and our 1st through 6th grade students have a ratio of 11:1.
At St. James’ we believe that separating students based on ability does not allow for the significant academic transformation students can experience during the elementary grades. Being placed in a lower skilled class can make a child feel that this subject is not a strength for them, when in fact they may quickly find an aptitude for it during the upper elementary grades. A student’s academic identity being formed around ability at the tender age of elementary school can propel a child towards a fixed, rather than growth, mindset. Therefore, we accommodate for aptitude and the unique learning styles of each student within a mixed level classroom.
Beginning in 4th grade, we offer an Honors Math program and starting in 5th grade, students are taught Writing by a specialist rather than their homeroom teacher. Throughout the elementary grades, St. James’ teachers utilize small groups, one-on-one instruction and peer partnerships to offer differentiated instruction in each classroom.
Nuanced Teaching by Grade
Our P2 Dolphins and P3 Butterflies program are structured to allow for maximum exploration of all aspects of school. A combination of organized structured activities like circle time are balanced with self selection centers and free choice play to allow for students to have choice while learning at their individual pace. Once in our Kindergarten Readiness Program (KRP) the schedule begins to align with our K-6 program by operating on an 8-day rotation. While the core academic program of math, early literacy, science and social studies are more formalized, students still have lots of choice, hands on centers, and a great balance of both indoor and outdoor learning.
Kindergarten at St. James’ is filled with such joy and excitement. With a small student to teacher ratio of 3 lead teachers in each classroom, students get to work in small groups for most of the day. The structure of most core subjects consist of a whole group mini lesson and then centers led by teachers which allow students to practice the skill and “show” what they know. This is a very hands-on learning style which uses a combination of manipulatives, technology (iPads) and paper and pencil. Students are able to get one on one attention whether that is for support or to extend a concept.
In grades 1-3, the classrooms have 2 teachers leading instruction. First grade is the beginning of homework and formal assessments at St. James’. Students have academic days that are filled with direct instruction, small group, individual work and one on one with teachers. Support is given to each student in the way they need it. We believe in the importance of equity when teaching, knowing that each student might need something different at any given time.
In the upper grades, students engage with a variety of instructional strategies and approaches designed to meet children where they are and to appropriately challenge them. With a more departmentalized model than in the younger years, the upper grades provide differentiation in both formal and informal ways.
Beginning in fourth grade, we offer an Honors Math program that provides accelerated curriculum to students who present aptitude and desire for mathematical exploration. Starting in fifth grade, all students receive specialized writing instruction in which they learn to craft, analyze, and critique writing in a variety of genres. Day to day, you will find teachers working with small groups, students paired in learning-partnerships, and one-on-one conferring with students to provide targeted feedback. Along with exceptional academic instruction, upper grade faculty balance a focus on scholastic aptitude with nurturing demeanors and high expectations for kindness and empathy.
