Foothills School stresses relationships and connections. Our curriculum
explores the interrelatedness of all human beings. It connects
children to the earth, its environment and its resources--encouraging
stewardship. It links the present with the past and encourages
children to look to the future.
We support the development of the whole child while building a
true community of learners. We use an interdisciplinary framework:
skills and subjects are taught through topical and critical inquiry of an idea, question, or topic.
We believe that children and adults most fully
engage new ideas and develop new skills through hands-on learning
in a meaningful context.
Science and social science topics are carefully chosen to match
the developmental needs of children, encourage them to question, and appeal to their interests.
Projects related to topics of study are initiated by both students
and teachers. Mathematics, literature and reading, research, writing,
music, and Spanish are incorporated, whenever possible, into
inquiry projects. Visual and performing arts provide a language
for expressing ideas and new understanding. Every investigative
pursuit culminates in reflection and presentation. Students question the
world around them, make
knowledge their own, and interpret and then share it with the
community.
An atmosphere of inquiry encourages creativity, promotes critical thinking
and acknowledges different learning styles. Our students develop
reasoning and interpersonal skills as they work together, exchange
points of view, and share information. Through the inquiry process, children are challenged to use
and expand their academic skills. They read, write and use numbers
in meaningful ways as they construct an increasingly complex understanding
of their world.
Teachers aspire toward flexibility in the curriculum. If it takes
longer than anticipated to complete an inquiry unit
or if student interests suggest a need for deeper exploration,
we allow ourselves and our students the time needed. Our curriculum
relies on the interrelatedness of subject matter. Rather than
separating reading blocks from writing blocks from social studies
and science blocks, we combine disciplines and integrate one with
the next – with the current theme as the focus. As a result,
the day flows and subject areas relate to one another naturally.
Thus, our days are structured, but they also allow for flexibility
and time for the completion of an idea, thought or project.
Return to About
Foothills School main page
|
