Lower School Curriculum

The Oakwood School serves a range of students in our Lower School, aiming to instill in each of them an eagerness to learn as well as the social skills to safely and successfully navigate our complex world. Our Lower School curriculum reflects society in its high expectations, but we also aim to preserve a measure of flexibility in order to work with students as individuals. We are cognizant of different achievement levels among young students and we strive to help them experience academic success as they become developmentally ready.

The Lower School curriculum incorporates integrated and differentiated learning to create an environment where students learn to the best of their abilities. The curriculum places the student at the center of his or her own education through active, hands-on learning. By experiencing success and failure, students develop self-knowledge and build self-confidence as they prepare to make a difference in the world.

Although each grade's curriculum stands alone, several grades share certain programs and emphases. In grades 1-3 Oakwood uses the Open Court Reading series. Open Court is a phonics-based reading program that incorporates conceptual themes such as bravery, kindness, and different types of wealth into its units. Oakwood supplements Open Court with other approaches to reading, as students learn to read in a variety of ways, depending upon individual learning styles. For example, the Junior Great Books program provides supplemental enrichment opportunities and uses the Shared Inquiry Method to develop critical thinking and communication skills.

In grades 1-5, the Everyday Math program, designed by experts at The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project, uses a hands-on approach to teach basic skills and advanced math concepts within a spiraling curriculum framework. Higher–order thinking skills are introduced earlier than in some other math programs in the belief that many students can absorb these concepts at a younger age. Students revisit all concepts over time and practice their skills as they progress from beginning to developing to mastery.

In addition to the core academic curriculum, all Lower School students participate in Spanish, studio art, music, fitness, information technology and library education. Spanish is taught at all grade levels, beginning with basic vocabulary and growing to include Hispanic culture as well as spoken and written fluency. Computer skills are introduced early and, as students' ability to apply technology grows, so does the sophistication of their use. Beginning in fourth grade, all students are required to have a laptop computer for daily use. Each grade participates in service learning to teach the value of helping others by making meaningful contributions both within our school and local communities.