Curriculum

The St. Margaret's Episcopal School curriculum provides young learners with a solid educational foundation through carefully planned instructional goals and objectives. Essential learning skills, cooperative social behavior, appreciation of the arts and physical coordination are sequentially developed for each level. Teachers concentrate not only on what students learn but how students learn. We incorporate an active learning approach to learning. This process encourages cooperative learning, oral presentation, problem solving and higher order thinking through classroom discussion and creative writing.

Our curriculum information is noted below.

Our Mission
To provide a learning environment that is developmentally appropriate, stimulating, nurturing, enjoyable, and one that helps children to experience God's abiding love through daily teaching of the word.

Our Philosophy
It is the philosophy and firm belief of St. Margaret's Episcopal School that each child is a unique person with particular needs and abilities. It is our overall goal to encourage the growth of the "whole child" through cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual development. A daily schedule, which includes a balance of teacher-directed and child-directed activities, serves to reinforce, enrich and challenge in an environment where each child is respected as an individual.

Our Staff
Each staff member has been carefully selected for educational qualifications and experience in the early childhood field. Equally as important is a loving and genuine interest in young children and the ability to relate this concern to the children. Continual staff growth is encouraged through evaluations, classes, workshops and in-service training.

PRE-SCHOOL & PRE-KINDERGARTEN

Language Arts
Because communication forms much of the basis for a child's success in and out of school, much time is devoted to language arts. Our curriculum is based on the premise that students learn language by seeing it, hearing, and using it.

The School uses an integrated approach in language arts instruction based on the belief that integrating subjects makes learning more meaningful and, ultimately, more useful. Pre-reading, listening, and speaking activities are included in all areas of our curriculum (language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, etc.). Our teaching methods and materials vary in order to meet different learning styles. Our students are involved in learning center activities, cooperative projects, and individual assignments.

Pre-reading instruction is taught through an active communicative style with a strong emphasis on phonics. Students use a variety of pre-reading materials (books, magnetic letters, letter cards, and letter games.)

Mathematics
In a world demanding various forms of computation and problem solving, mathematics activities are incorporated into all areas of the school day. Learning centers and a wide variety of activities are used daily, allowing teachers to monitor student progress. The specific approach used is Everyday Math, a spiraling experiential math curriculum, taught at Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten, and supplemented by exercises in building skills. Activities are designed to stress higher order thinking and complex problem solving skills, as well as to develop the ability to transfer and apply skills across various disciplines.

Social Studies/History/Geography
Students learn through a variety of experiences to understand and appreciate the society in which they live. They begin to extend their horizons to include more of the world, its people, their differences and their similarities.

Science
The science program is designed to teach students to observe and understand their world through exploration and through a growing familiarity with the scientific method. Physical, life, and environmental science experiences are taught through a variety of ways. The students investigate and experiment with materials that have been carefully selected to enable them to discover concepts and develop skills. In the colloquium, the teacher encourages students to say what they have discovered in their own words.

Chapel
At St. Margaret's School, students are exposed to the Bible as the history of the Judeo-Christian heritage, the teachings of Jesus as the basis of the Christian faith, the awareness of the needs of others, our relationship with God, and the concept of God's unconditional love for each of us. Our chapel services are intended to provide our students with the basic building blocks of our faith and to complement the religious education they may receive in their homes. Chapel services include hymn singing, formal and informal prayers, scriptures, and lessons. Students and school personnel are required to attend chapel, and families and friends are encouraged to attend these services with their children.

Character Education
St. Margaret's Episcopal School incorporates a recognition of our students' unique attributes, physical well being, and need for healthy social relationships. Students are encouraged to explore new areas of learning and to participate in new activities. Weekly classes in Christian education and considerate behavior are taught by Mrs. Whittle. The core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, justice, and compassion as described in scripture are discussed and related to current happenings in the students' lives. Development of tolerance, personal integrity, self-esteem, good sportsmanship, and a respect for the rights and interests of others is considered essential to the growth process.

Foreign Language
Spanish is introduced in Pre-K once a week.

Physical Education
St. Margaret's physical education program fosters opportunities for students to develop their potential for physical movement in a variety of ways, psychomotor, cognitive, and affective, not merely in the restrictions imposed by a particular sport, game, or exercise. Students in Pre-K receive P.E. once a week.

Art and Music
The aesthetic aspect of a young person's education fosters a positive self-image, encourages self-expression and conveys the idea that each individual should be a creative part of his/her culture. Music and art are not considered enrichment or add-on activities; they are basic to St. Margaret's well-rounded education for life. The music program is taught once a week; the art program is incorporated into the curriculum and taught by the classroom teachers.