We offer a comprehensive standards-based math curriculum that is aligned with the Common Core Math Standards. The program we are using is called Bridges as well as the Common Core standards. Teachers promote strategies that emphasize conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem-solving skills. Our students become confident mathematical thinkers, learning to explore new ideas and articulate their insights and questions.

The ES Social Studies curriculum, which is based on the C3 standards,  builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and participatory skills so that students can better understand their place in the world. Kindergarten students study cultural celebrations, their role in the community, and citizenship. Grade 1 students study the relationships between self, family, community, and countries around the world. Beginning in Grade 2, students compare and contrast regions of the world through the integration of civics, economics, geography, and history. 

Through inquiry, Grade 3 students learn about what makes a community. Some of the topics of study include geography and migration, human and children's rights, as well as change makers. Grade 4 students study the transformation of communities from small bands  to complex ancient civilizations. Grade 5 students learn about identity and community, heroes, explorers, and innovators. Students look inward and outward as they discover ways they can positively impact the world.

Science instruction in Grades K-5 follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and implements aspects of the FOSS program’s approach to life, earth, and physical science. Experiments, conducted in the Science Lab, Greenhouse, ES Organic Garden, and the Little Red Coop offer a hands-on, inquiry approach to learning. Research skills, project work, and field trips are enhanced by the integration of math and science in the program. Students in Grades 4-5 participate in the Elementary School Science Fair. In addition, Grade 5 students participate in the NESA Virtual Science Fair project.

Students in the Visual and Performing Arts program follow the Aero standards and  explore drama, music, and varied media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, and sculpture. Students learn basic visual arts skills while developing critical and creative thinking. Students make connections between Visual and Performing Arts and other disciplines. Our Music program provides children with an enriching means of self-expression. Through singing, movement, and integrated listening activities, students receive a diverse and well-rounded music experience. Students are taught musical concepts and skills and have numerous opportunities to perform. A unique feature of the music program is the AIS Chorus a choral group comprised of students from Grades 3-5. In addition, instrumental music instruction is offered in Grade 5. In addition, Grade 5 students participate in a performing arts program that gives them the opportunity to study drama, choral music, and band.

The Physical Education program uses the SHAPE standards and engages children in a variety of sports, swimming, and other physical activities, but their fine and gross motor school development goes beyond playing games. Students learn the importance of collaboration and cooperation while maintaining a healthy way of life, through both exercise and positive lifestyle choices.

Cultures of Israel with an introduction to Hebrew (and hopefully Arabic soon) begins in kindergarten. The Cultures of Israel course introduces students to their host country, holidays, language, and aspects of community life in Israel. Grade 4 students have an exploratory program where they take a trimester of Hebrew, French, and Spanish culture and language to give them an introduction before they choose a language in grade five. The Grade 5 program provides a year of beginning language instruction to prepare them for our middle school language program. 

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is an integral part of the well-being of all our students. The ES uses the Second Step program for grades K-4 and Grade 5 uses the Wayfinder curriculum to teach these critical skills in weekly classroom lessons. The programs teach skills in the following four areas:

1. Skills for Learning: Students gain skills to help themselves learn, including how to focus their attention, listen carefully, use self-talk to stay on task, and be assertive when asking for help with schoolwork.

2. Empathy: Students learn to identify and understand their own and others’ feelings. Students also learn how to take another’s perspective and how to show compassion.

3. Emotion Management: Students learn specific skills for calming down when experiencing strong feelings, such as anxiety or anger.

4. Problem-Solving: Students learn a process for solving problems with others in a positive way.

Word processing, keyboarding, web research, and digital citizenship are components of the K-5 1:1 program and are used to create media-rich artifacts and presentations. SmartBoards, Laptops, and iPads enhance and support differentiated classroom instruction across content areas. Each student uses Seesaw, a digital learning journal, to document and share their learning across the curriculum with their parents. Digital citizenship is a central component of the curriculum. Lessons from Common Sense Media and Google’s Be Internet Awesome are integrated into the general classroom. All students are introduced to the WBAIS Digital Citizenship Agreement and all parents co-sign the document.