Elementary School (K-5)

Overview

Our elementary program is designed to nurture curious minds and compassionate hearts. By balancing rigorous academics with character development, we ensure students are not only learning facts, but also developing the skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world. We offer a bilingual environment where students learn in both English and Albanian, supported by a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and practical life skills.

Rally Point

Our Character Compass

At the heart of our school culture is Rally Point, a dedicated character development program that brings our community together. We believe academic excellence is only half the equation; true success is defined by the integrity, resilience, and empathy each student carries into the world.

The Approach to Character

While academic subjects move into new territory each year, Rally Point revisits similar essential themes. As students grow, their understanding of these values matures.

• In Lower Elementary: we focus on action (for example, what sharing looks like).
• In Upper Elementary: we focus on intent and impact (for example, why sharing resources is vital for community success).

Examples of Our Character Themes

Lower Elementary (Grades K-2)

The Foundation of Discovery

In these early years, our focus is on building a love for learning. We emphasize literacy, numeracy, and the social-emotional skills needed to work within a community.

Core Subjects

• Math: Transitioning from concrete objects to abstract numbers. Students focus on number sense, basic operations (addition/subtraction and introduction to multiplication/division), and geometric shapes through hands-on Math Labs.
• English: Building phonics mastery, reading fluency, and confidence in writing and speaking.
• Albanian: Developing a strong foundation in the mother tongue, with focus on vocabulary expansion, clear pronunciation, and local cultural appreciation.
• Science: Exploring the natural world through the five senses. Topics include plants, animals, weather, and the human body.
• Social Studies: Understanding 'My World.' Students learn about families, neighborhoods, economics, and the roles of people in a community.
• Life and Work: Practical life skills such as organization and time management through daily routines.

Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5)

Expanding Horizons & Independence

As students move into Upper Elementary, the curriculum shifts toward deeper inquiry and independent problem-solving. We encourage students to make connections between subjects and the real world.

Core Subjects

• Math: Moving into complex problem-solving. Students master multiplication/division, fractions, decimals, and word problems in real-world scenarios.
• English: Analyzing literature, writing creative and academic pieces, and developing public speaking through presentations.
• Albanian: Advanced grammar, exploration of Albanian literature and history, and refinement of writing styles.
• Science: Introduction to the scientific method through experiments involving ecosystems, energy, and related topics.
• Social Studies: A broader look at history and geography. Students study the evolution of societies, global cultures, and how geography influences daily life.
• Life and Work and Technology: Career exploration and critical thinking through teamwork, challenging games, long-term project management, and responsible use of technology for research.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

• Bilingualism: Our dual-language approach ensures students are fluent and culturally literate in both English and Albanian.
• Holistic Growth: Through our Life and Work curriculum, we bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.
• Safe Environment: A supportive atmosphere where every student is known, valued, and encouraged to take intellectual risks.