We protect read-aloud time as a family because shared stories create shared memories. At home, families gather around books together, and much of our school curriculum is built around family read-alouds that give students a common narrative to explore across ages and stages.

At school, read-alouds abound in science, history, art, music, and even math. We value the contribution of trade books, picture books, biographies, poetry, and other beautifully written works that make ideas memorable and invite students into deeper learning.

In the primary grades, students receive explicit, systematic phonics instruction, equipping them with the tools to confidently decode unfamiliar words. We believe confident readers are built through both rich literature and strong foundational skills.

After recess, students settle into a quiet, comfortable time of self-selected reading. Each student chooses their own quality literature to read and brings a book to school, gradually taking ownership of their reading life and beginning to see themselves as a reader. This daily practice gives students time to build stamina, follow their interests, and experience the simple joy of getting lost in a good book.

Students participate in Reader’s Theater throughout the year, reading and performing dramatic works together to develop fluency, expression, confidence, public speaking skills, and appreciation for literature and the dramatic arts.

Children learn grammar by studying real authors and carefully chosen passages from great literature. Each week, students discuss grammar, vocabulary, style, and technique before applying those ideas in their own writing.