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Elementary

The Curiosity to Question. The Courage to Try.

Our private elementary school builds on what students learn in preschool with a clear, structured STEM-based curriculum that engages the left brain and a focus on the arts that inspires the right brain. Our balanced program combines strong academic skills with group projects that promote critical thinking and collaborative teamwork.

Students learn to solve problems, share ideas, and take part in class discussions. We also teach social and emotional skills to help students grow as respectful and responsible citizens who take pride in contributing to their communities. By asking questions and looking at the world around them, students learn how to connect their studies to real life.

 

Academic rigor is complemented by the arts in the Stratford elementary curriculum, with elements of STEAM programming woven through each area of instruction.

Elementary students are immersed in Core Knowledge classes in math, vocabulary, grammar, reading and writing every day – building sequentially on skills throughout the program.

Elementary students learn to examine all aspects of a problem, ask questions to gain additional information, and work collaboratively to create a solution.

Learning study skills and completing homework are essential to success at Stratford, but students find joy in the challenge.

Explore our Elementary Program and STEAM Curriculum

Kindergarten
Kindergarten

In Kindergarten, we cultivate the seeds of learning and watch our young students flourish and grow. Kindergarten students focus on the fundamentals of math, grammar, and reading every morning. In the afternoons, they engage in music and writing, with Spanish, art, and science included several times a week. Students learn to think critically, ask questions, and explore each subject with curiosity.

They begin practicing public speaking through poetry recitation, reading aloud in class, and participating in their winter and spring programs. These activities help develop their confidence and communication skills. Our Kindergarten program offers a joyful, inspirational, and fun introduction to the exciting journey of learning ahead.

1st Grade
1st Grade

First grade at Stratford blends creativity with critical thinking. Students might share an exciting problem that they solved, perform a musical play, or explore the connection between math and music. Through reading, they discover new characters and look at how those stories relate to their own lives.

Our first graders also start their formal journey in Computer Science and look forward to developing their typing and coding skills with a dedicated Computer Science teacher twice a week. These lessons help build a sense of curiosity, confidence, and a deeper understanding across subjects.

2nd Grade
2nd Grade

Our second graders are focused, engaged, and having fun. With a structured day and clear goals, students build on the first-grade skills that they learned. Every day, students engage in math, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing. They participate in longer recitations to enhance their public speaking and memorization skills.

Additionally, they dive into more complex science lessons that include hands-on experiments. Their week is rounded out with computer science, physical education, music, and art. An additional focus on developing essential time management and study habits is crucial for their future success.

3rd Grade
3rd Grade

Third grade at Stratford is a time for growth and discovery. Teachers nurture each student’s strengths while promoting independence and critical thinking. Art and music are integrated into weekly lessons, helping students connect creative experiences with their learning in a challenging and inspiring environment.

Additionally, students learn the principles of engineering and collaborate to solve problems independently, without assistance from their teachers.

4th Grade
4th Grade

Fourth grade at Stratford School offers a unique experience compared to other programs. Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for the challenges of middle school. Students engage in more complex STEAM projects, applying the scientific method by observing, forming hypotheses, experimenting, and analyzing their results.

They collaborate with peers on small group Science Fair projects, which they present to the class and their parents. By integrating scientific and artistic principles, we help students understand the interconnectedness of their studies.

5th Grade
5th Grade

By fifth grade, our students are confident, prepared, and ready to lead. They’ve built strong study skills and lasting friendships. They approach learning by breaking down complex ideas, asking thoughtful questions, and solving real-world problems as a group and on their own.

In this formative year, they develop and present their first solo Science Fair project. In computer science, students are mastering programs such as Tynker. As the year ends, these young scholars are well-prepared for what comes next in middle school and beyond.