Curriculum - Overview

PRESCHOOL

Clairbourn’s Preschool Program is designed to encourage children’s natural love of learning in an environment where they feel comfortable and secure. Preschool classrooms are filled with a variety of learning tools including blocks, art supplies, books, science materials, and dramatic play props.  

The curriculum is designed around topics which are often drawn from the children’s own interests. Activities are designed to introduce students to classroom routines and to foster development in areas such as language, math, literacy, imaginative play, social awareness, construction, technology, art, and music. Universal values such as honesty, respect, and responsibility are taught and practiced. The program includes both teacher-directed and child-initiated activities, with plenty of time for free exploration.  

It is our goal to help every Preschool child feel cared for and special, as well as to help them develop socially, emotionally, linguistically, cognitively, physically, and to acquire a longlasting love of learning. Clairbourn’s Preschool is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 

KINDERGARTEN

Clairbourn’s Kindergarten Program uses developmentally appropriate methods and materials as a means for students to acquire and apply academic skills, gain social competencies, and to enjoy the learning process.  

Working individually and in small and large groups, Kindergarten students are presented with a variety of learning activities that promote beginning reading and writing. Hands-on mathematics instruction emphasizes concept development, critical thinking, and problem solving. Science activities, art projects, and field trips are a regular part of the curriculum, and students work weekly with music, art, computer, library, and physical education specialists.

PRIMARY GRADES – ONE AND TWO

The primary grades, first and second, provide students with a wide array of experiences in an atmosphere where learning is natural and enjoyable. Traditional academics are balanced with activities that emphasize exploration, observation, and reasoning.  

Students in the primary program learn to understand the printed word through language-based activities in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and phonics. Social studies and science activities extend these language concepts while helping students expand their knowledge of the world around them. The math program focuses on developing a strong conceptual understanding and uses experiential and traditional activities to develop strong critical thinking and computation skills.  

First and second grade students work weekly with specialists in music, art, physical education, library, and computer, and the lower school science lab is often used for hands-on science activities. There are a variety of field trips, assemblies, and Service Learning projects that enrich and extend classroom instruction.

INTERMEDIATE GRADES – THREE, FOUR, AND FIVE

The intermediate years consist of third, fourth, and fifth grades. They offer a curriculum that combines content learning with an emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills, creativity, and academic and community responsibility. There is a commitment to process and product and to individual and collaborative learning.  

Students read from a wide selection of fine children’s literature while building spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Writing in all subject areas demands that students

wrestle with what they are learning and give it meaning. The math curriculum in the intermediate grades continues to be concept-based and stresses the development of problem solving and critical thinking skills while also reinforcing basic math facts and computational algorithms. Science study takes place in the lower school science lab and outdoors in the natural undeveloped areas of our campus. The social studies program incorporates a variety of field trips and experiential activities. 

Students in the intermediate grades have weekly specialist-taught instruction in art, music, computer, library, foreign language experience, and physical education. They participate in our annual Science Fair, the Engineering Design Challenge, and in Service Learning activities. There are opportunities for the fourth and fifth grade students to take on leadership roles in the elementary school.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES

Clairbourn’s Middle School consists of grades sixth, seventh, and eighth with two sections for each class. The total enrollment is approximately 110 students.  

The distinguishing characteristics of Clairbourn’s Middle School are a strong teaching team of subject-area specialists, a challenging and balanced course of study, a high level of personal attention, regular communication with parents, and a supportive environment where teachers and students work together for a shared sense of accomplishment and enjoyment. Grade level deans and a full-time Middle School Director provide students with oversight and guidance.

The core subjects – math, English, history, science, foreign language, and physical education – are balanced by a variety of elective classes.

Typical electives include computer programming, geography of urrent events, ceramics, painting, scrapbooking, school service, podcasting, photography, Clairbourn Symphony, and student newspaper.  Weeklong field programs are an integral part of the curriculum and focus on leadership, team-building, and environmental education. During school holidays, optional study abroad programs are available emphasizing science, history, cultural exploration, or foreign language.   

Clairbourn Middle School students also participate in a variety of activities such as sports, drama, dances, Student Council, and service projects. The universal values of respect, responsibility, citizenship, spirituality, and honesty, from Clairbourn’s Code of Ethics, are an important aspect of each student’s learning experience at Clairbourn. Our program is designed to prepare graduates for success in fine independent preparatory high schools as well as to challenge students to become strong thinkers and learners and confident and caring human beings.

TECHNOLOGY ON CAMPUS 

With computers and SMARTBoards in every regular classroom, as well as in the art room, music room, and library, Clairbourn students of all ages are able to engage with electronic documents, interactive simulations, and Internet-based resources that make learning easier and more relevant.    

Clairbourn’s Media Lab is the classroom setting for weekly instruction with our full-time technology specialist as well as for weekly language lab activities which complement seventh and eighth grade French and Spanish lessons. Students start with 30 minutes of instruction a week in Kindergarten and move up to hour-long classes in the elementary grades. By Middle School, students have quarterly electives where a wide array of computer applications are taught and practiced. In addition to learning word processing, spreadsheet design, and presentation software skills, students experience webpage design, 3D building design, computer simulations, digital photography, robotics, and digital art design. Students are taught to use the Internet safely and are issued an Internet Drivers License on completion of a training program. The license must be renewed yearly to address more advanced user requirements and safety concerns as students move up through the grades.  

Technology is used regularly in the Middle School classrooms to support the curriculum. In math, students can access 10 computer stations running programs, that coordinate with their textbooks, to reinforce the lessons being taught. In science, English, and history classes, students regularly use classroom computers for activities such as research, data analysis, writing, and desktop publishing. Graduates from Clairbourn report being well prepared to use technology in high school and beyond.  

With the ever-increasing importance of technology and digital media in the 21st Century, Clairbourn School is committed to a strong focus on technology education.