The curriculum of The Studio School is much more than a course of study; it is a structure for exploring and mastering how to learn and how to think. Students are guided to think originally, to trust their intuitive responses to information and materials they are offered, and to work to the best of their ability in articulating and sharing their discoveries with others.
The scope of our curriculum outlines what students are learning and the breadth and depth of each subject. As students mature, they expand their knowledge and gain confidence and ability to engage in increasingly complex topics.
The sequence of our curriculum continuum, refers to the structured order in which the skills and concepts are introduced, learned and mastered throughout each program. The continuum is designed as a framework to build knowledge ensuring that students make connections across subjects.
In the early childhood years, students have an inherent desire to understand number sense and mathematical relationships in order to make sense of the world. They observe and explore classroom objects and materials to develop the ability to count and recognize numbers, comprehend patterns, dimensions, and measurements, and distinguish between shapes. These hands-on activities develop each child’s mathematical thinking, visual-spatial perception, and sense of geometry that will continue to expand in the years to come.
In the elementary years, students develop a zest and motivation for mastering whole numbers operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, laying the groundwork to apply these to fractions, decimals, and percents. They become proficient in using the measuring tools for distance, capacity, weight, time, and temperature. Hands-on materials such as rods, pattern blocks, base ten blocks, and geoboards enrich their understanding of mathematical concepts and relationships. Their ability to fluently read and write equations, solve visual-spatial and geometry problems, and follow and communicate a logical line of reasoning flourishes through guided questioning and challenges. Students gain competence as they apply their understanding to real-world problems and begin to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills.
In the middle school years, students transition from concrete to abstract thinking as they delve into the study of algebra and geometry. Our integrated math curriculum empowers students to approach any mathematical challenge with confidence, flexibility, and a deep understanding of mathematical principles. Building upon a strong foundation in arithmetic skills learned in elementary school, students progress to mastering fractions, decimals, percentages, positive and negative integers, as well as ratios and proportions. Discussions are essential to each class, guiding students to articulate their reasoning and apply concepts in real-world scenarios. Mathematics history and philosophy are woven throughout the curriculum, offering insight into the evolution of mathematical theories and equations. By the end of middle school, students complete a formal study of Algebra 1, excelling in identifying rational and irrational numbers, calculating square roots, solving algebraic equations with multiple variables, applying the Pythagorean theorem, analyzing data and probability, and solving geometric proofs.
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Reading, writing, language development, and comprehension are integral in all subject areas and the foundations for all learning. Our Early Childhood students discover the power of language through listening and understanding, speaking and being understood. Their passion and drive to communicate naturally move them toward a curiosity to decode letters and their sounds in order to read and write words. Students are engaged in listening to stories read aloud and reading stories together, singing songs with word patterns and rhymes, illustrating their own books, and dictating their ideas until they are ready to write on their own. These first reading and writing experiences nurture inquiry and imagination, and set a foundation for phonemic awareness, comprehension, and fluency.
Our elementary students become fluent, confident life-long readers as they are immersed in a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama texts, as well as systematic lessons in phonics and whole language methods. Threaded throughout are lessons in grammar, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, and handwriting, which support the students’ ability to interpret, analyze, and respond to what they read with correct pronunciation, pace, and comprehension. Writing is taught as a structured process leading students through outlining, drafting, editing and revising, culminating in a final piece that communicates their original thoughts and ideas. They develop their writing abilities by practicing different styles, such as narrative, expository, and descriptive writing.
Our middle school English curriculum cultivates a deep appreciation for literature, and strengthens essential communication skills, and develops students’ critical thinking and personal expression. Students explore a diverse array of texts, analyzing themes, characters, and literary techniques, while progressively refining their writing through various genres, including narratives, persuasive essays, research papers, and creative pieces. Grammar and vocabulary instruction are incorporated, enhancing writing fluency. Collaborative projects, discussions, and presentations foster students’ ability to articulate their thoughts with confidence and clarity. At the culmination of middle school, students have a foundation in literary analysis and writing, and also publish their own literary journal, Silhouettes, showcasing their creative and analytical talents.
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One World class integrates the sciences and social sciences, blending together life, earth, and physical science with history, civics, geography, and sustainability. Studying these subjects and methodologies in tandem allows students to make insightful and original connections between the disciplines, fostering an environment that values and respects diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and beliefs. The core concepts of the curriculum are structure, growth, systems, cycles, transformation, and interdependence, which are revisited as students’ thinking matures over the years
Our Early Childhood classroom is a laboratory for learning for our budding scientists, historians, and researchers, centered around the fundamental questions: Who am I? Where am I? Who and what is around me? Students observe, compare, contrast, and share their original conjectures through experiences and discussions, and begin to ask questions about themselves, their families, their environment, and the larger world around them. The classroom is equipped with tools and objects to inspire observation and exploration, along with fiction and nonfiction books spanning different cultures, time periods, and subjects.
In the elementary program, the One World curriculum reflects the interconnectedness of our world through the integration of science, social studies, history, and geography. The program emphasizes an understanding of a wide range of perspectives and experiences through studying how humans have impacted the environment and how the environment shapes human societies. Students apply their critical thinking skills to engage in research, conduct experiments, build models, collect and graph data, and interpret and present their findings. Over the course of four years, studies include Native American cultures, the history of New York, the infrastructure of urban, suburban, and rural communities, plant and animal interdependence and ecosystems, migration and immigration, meteorology, the physics of matter and light, and the solar system. They read, interpret, and create maps that depict geographic and political borders, resources, and transportation systems.
In middle school, our One World curriculum offers a comprehensive exploration of global history, geography, and scientific inquiry. Students delve into civilizations and historical periods, analyzing cultural, political, and economic developments worldwide. They study ancient civilizations such as the Aztec, Inca, Maya, Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Greece, Rome, and the development of the United States from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Themes of governance, cultural exchange, technological advancements, societal transformations, race, social justice, and intersectionality are explored through primary source analysis and research projects. Students evaluate history through multiple perspectives, examining power structures, human rights, whose voices are included and not included in historical narratives, and the contributions and experiences of minorities.
In our Science Labs, students investigate fundamental principles across physical, life, and Earth sciences, exploring topics such as the properties of matter and atomic structure, energy transformations and conservation, ecosystems, genetics, and weather patterns. Through hands-on experiments, data analysis, and collaborative projects, students apply the scientific method, learning to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and critically interpret results. This interdisciplinary approach fosters a holistic understanding of global interconnections, providing students with the tools for thoughtful engagement in historical and scientific analysis.
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In early childhood, Spanish is introduced through engaging activities such as songs, stories, and games. The natural curiosity of young learners' desire to name objects in their environment sparks an interest in learning Spanish vocabulary and helps students begin to understand and appreciate different ways of expressing themselves, setting the stage for more advanced language classes in the elementary and middle school years.
In the elementary program, Spanish is learned through a step-by-step process, much like our other curriculum areas. Students immerse themselves in the vocabulary, structure, and syntax of Spanish, all while exploring the rich history, geography, and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries. With each lesson, they build confidence and fluency in speaking, writing, and translating between English and Spanish through interactive activities, lively games, and imaginative role-playing. They delight in greeting one another and engaging in everyday conversations, using common nouns, adjectives, and verbs found in school and at home.
In Middle School, our World Language curriculum offers an exploration through Spanish language and culture. Students engage in reading, writing, and translation exercises while exploring themes such as personal identity, family dynamics, and practical daily life scenarios, including school routines, travel, celebrations, dining, and shopping customs. By the end of four years, students achieve comprehensive proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and writing. They also develop a profound understanding of cultural diversity and global interconnectedness.
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During their elementary years, students enhance their computer literacy by mastering keyboarding techniques, understanding the roles of software and hardware, and engaging with fundamental coding concepts using algorithms that involve input, processing, and output. They participate in discussions that explore how computer technology influences daily life and decision-making, and they examine the responsibilities of being a conscientious member of the digital community. This well-rounded approach ensures that students gain both technical skills and a deeper understanding of the broader implications of technology in their lives and society.
Our Middle School Computer Science curriculum prepares students to navigate and contribute effectively in today's digital landscape. Students continue to build on their foundational skills in computer applications, keyboarding, and internet safety, and progress to more advanced coding, robotics, computer assembly, and multimedia production. They master Microsoft Suite and Adobe Suite, through creative projects such as podcast production, film editing, and graphic design. In class discussions, students critically evaluate emerging technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and social media, evaluating their benefits, costs, and ethical implications.
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In Early Childhood, children engage in physical activities both in the gym and the yard, to develop skills in skipping, hopping, jumping, running, and climbing. They also learn fundamental ball skills, including catching, throwing, dribbling, and kicking. These activities help build muscle strength, enhance balance and hand-eye coordination, and increase awareness of their body movements. Children learn to consolidate their movements, follow directions, and work cooperatively with peers. They use a variety of equipment, such as hollow blocks, balls, ramps, balance beams, trikes, and a rock climbing wall, to support their physical development and teamwork.
Elementary students become more proficient in learning how to catch, throw, dribble, kick, and hit a ball with a bat or racquet. As they gain skill, confidence, and precision, organized games are introduced with a goal towards playing soccer, kickball, and basketball. They learn the rules of games, how to be a team player, and how to cooperate effectively as part of a strategy for winning. Whether playing team sports, climbing the rock wall, participating in track and field events, or having daily warm-ups, aerobics and calisthenics, as well as dance classes, students build strength, endurance, and flexibility, acquiring a lifelong joy of well-being as their bodies grow stronger.
In middle school, our Physical Education curriculum is designed to progressively develop students' gross motor skills, athleticism, and health and wellness. Each class begins with a dynamic fitness routine, combining yoga, pilates, dance, martial arts, or aerobics to enhance students' strength, agility, and coordination. Group lessons build on skills through drills that emphasize aiming, kicking, catching, throwing, running, hand-body coordination, and agility, while also fostering a deeper understanding of anatomy and body function. Students participate in a variety of team sports, mastering the rules of each game through structured practice and competitive play, while strengthening teamwork, sportsmanship, and strategic thinking.
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Our Early Childhood classroom offers students a wide variety of materials, including clay, paint, pencils, crayons, chalk, string, fabric, paper, and glue. These allow students to develop essential small motor, visual, and spatial skills in a natural and exploratory manner. This approach encourages experimentation and investigation of the materials, supports the expression of ideas and emotions, fosters imagination, and enriches their interpretation and understanding of the world.
As students progress through the elementary years, they continually expand their artistic repertoire with a wider variety of materials and assignments in the art studio, including abstract and representational forms of expression. They explore the fundamental elements of art including form, line, shape, color, and texture, using tools such as pencils, charcoal, chalk and oil pastels, and markers, while learning the techniques for printmaking, fiber arts, ceramics, watercolor, and tempera painting. These experiences foster an appreciation for the artistic process, rather than the product, and as students explore with materials, they ultimately learn to reach deep inside themselves to capture their creative vision with intellectual and emotional integrity.
In middle school, our visual arts curriculum nurtures creativity, skill development, and personal expression through a blend of exploration and skill-based learning. Through hands-on assignments, students discover diverse artistic techniques, experiment with tools, and explore various media qualities. The student-teacher relationship is central for guiding problem-solving, observations, and promoting essential work habits and discipline. Additionally, students are introduced to art history, exploring significant movements and artists to understand the evolution of artistic expression and its cultural impact as well as sparking inspiration and their own ideas. Throughout their middle school journey, students enhance their technical proficiency, build confidence in their artistic abilities, learn to critique their work constructively, appreciate various artistic perspectives, and understand the role of art in personal expression and cultural contexts.
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Young children’s natural joy of music emerges through daily singing, listening, and playing instruments. Students learn a variety of songs in English and many foreign languages. They delight in imitating and sustaining various rhythmic patterns, using their heartbeat, body parts, percussion instruments from across the globe, and variously pitched Orff instruments that produce harmonious music when played together. Students’ overall cognitive and auditory skills improve and expand as they experiment with rhythm, beat, and melody.
In Music classes, students engage in activities and games that encourage them to listen and appreciate, identify and interpret, and respond to and compose a wide variety of music genres. They learn concepts such as fast and slow, call and response, and crescendo and decrescendo. They explore rhythm, melody, and harmony while learning to play the recorder, begin piano keyboarding, and reading musical notation. In Chorus, the curriculum focuses on developing a love for singing, and introduces the basic elements of choral performance including breathing techniques, matching pitch and rhythm, simple melodies and basic harmonies, performing with expression and in sync with others.
In Music classes, students delve into composition as they create, record, and arrange their own musical pieces, while learning the fundamentals of playing the guitar, ukulele, piano, and percussion. They expand on the essential elements of beat, rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics, and study music history to appreciate the development of various musical styles and traditions. In Chorus, students focus on vocal techniques, including breath control, pitch accuracy, tone, and diction, as they learn to harmonize and refine their singing abilities across a wide range of musical genres. They also develop their sight-reading skills and learn to interpret musical notation. Through ensemble singing, students enhance their musicality and performance confidence, mastering the art of presenting music with clarity and emotional expression.
The foundation for theater arts begins in early childhood with dramatic play in the outdoor yard, the gym, and in the classroom where children engage in pantomime and improvisation. They connect and respond to one another by acting out imaginative scenarios. Recreating real and imagined experiences in their lives and interpreting the actions of various characters from beloved picture books. As they progress, they invent their own stories and perform them for and with their peers.
Theater techniques and skills introduce elementary students to the fundamentals of drama and performance, nurturing creativity and collaboration. Students learn to create diverse characters through voice, movement, and expression. They write short skits, develop scenes, make props and costumes, acting out scenarios from books, historical events, or everyday situations.
The art of puppetry is introduced as students learn about the history of puppetry, and make various types of puppets, including hand puppets, sock puppets, marionettes, and shadow puppets. They adapt or write original scenes to practice controlling puppet movements, including timing, cues, and character interactions.
In Studio Players, our middle school students engage in the multifaceted world of performance, exploring both the technical and creative aspects of theatre. They cultivate their vocal skills, memorization, and elocution through oration, debates, poetry readings, and dramatic recitations. Students collaborate on scenes and engage in the analysis of storytelling elements, character development, and stage presence. They explore the nuances of acting techniques and dramatic interpretation, working on both scripted and improvisational performances. Each school year culminates in an original production where students write, direct, act, design sets, and create costumes for a performance that integrates all they have learned, showcasing their themes, skills and concepts to the whole community.
Dance and movement for early childhood students involve playful and engaging activities designed to develop gross motor skills, spatial awareness, rhythm and coordination, imaginative play and storytelling. In Movement and Music class, the piano follows the children’s every move as they find their own inner rhythm and gradually work in tandem, expressing their individuality as part of the group and in accord with the music.
The elements of dance techniques and composition are introduced as students explore various styles and genres from diverse cultures. They develop skills in posture, balance, body alignment, and coordination through exercises that integrate different movements and body parts. As students are introduced to rhythm, timing, and spatial awareness, they begin to learn basic choreography. This progression leads to the creation of their own simple routines, with opportunities to use movement to express emotions and tell stories.
In dance class, students delve into the dynamics of movement and choreography. They participate in interpretative exercises and broaden their knowledge of global dance traditions. Students create and perform their own original pieces, honing their coordination, rhythm, and expressiveness both individually and as part of a group. They explore a range of dance styles and techniques, from classical ballet and modern dance to jazz, hip-hop, and traditional dances from around the world, enhancing their technical skills and artistic creativity.
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