Student Life

We provide a rigorous academic program for grades PreK – 5 to prepare students for success in middle school, high school, and beyond. We use a hands-on, inquiry-based approach called Project-Based Learning (PBL). Each 6- to 8-week unit incorporates reading and English/language arts, science, social studies, and math in the context of engaging, real-world ideas. The units are tied to New York State learning standards and to our magnet theme of innovation, exploration & engineering, with a strong focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Every unit ends with a student-directed final project, allowing students to develop critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, and leadership skills along with mastering academics.

Beyond the PBL units, students also have dedicated periods devoted to phonics, guided reading, and math each day. Students have 2 periods of physical education and 2 periods of art instruction each week. Art is also integrated into the core curriculum.

We are committed to providing a safe, supportive learning environment for all students and nurturing positive peer relationships. We have partnered with Cloud9World for Character Education and Social-Emotional Learning. In addition, we use a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) model with a point system to promote positive behaviors. Students earn points that they can redeem to participate in fun STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities.

Cloud9World: Cloud9World is an integrated social-emotional and literacy-based program that utilizes character strengths to teach social-emotional skills. The program is about the acquisition and strengthening of character and the capacity to make wise choices for a well-rounded life and a thriving society. Character traits include: Acceptance, Citizenship, Cooperation, Empathy, Forgiveness, Hope, Humbleness, Inclusion, Integrity, Leadership, Patience, Respect, Self-Control, and Unity