Curriculum
K- 2nd Grade Curriculum
HSA Belmont’s goals are based upon the school’s philosophy and an underlying respect for the individual child. Classroom teachers determine how the objectives, which are appropriate for the age group of the children they teach, are implemented. These objectives are developmentally based and are guided by both knowledge of the typical development of children in a chronological span and by awareness of individual differences in patterns of growth, personality, learning style and family background.The curriculum is designed to provide experiences that will promote competency and the successful mastery of developmental tasks through adjusting expectations, varied activities and materials and through interactions in the learning environment. Learning is presented to children using a variety of sensory experiences to teach concepts. Young children learn by doing, and play is the medium through which children explore the world and learn about themselves and others. Thematic units are developed to expose children to new concepts and expand their knowledge of the world around them.
Most of the goals of the program represent processes rather than isolated skills; therefore, mastery is reflected along a continuum of growth. This allows children the opportunity to experience success and satisfaction with their own developmental ability.
Lower School Curriculum
HSA Belmont provides each child with the social and academic skills needed to interact and explore the world as a confident and effective learner. We have developed a rich, interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on inquiry, discovery, creativity and building community.We understand that the primary responsibility of elementary education is the acquisition of academic and study skills. However, academic skills learned in isolation do not create enthusiastic students and life-long learners. Through our curriculum we will provide children with real and meaningful opportunities to use their skills both as a member of a community and as independent learners.
While we set clear expectations for learning, we also approach instruction with the understanding that each child’s development is unique and individual. Through the use of differentiated instruction, we help ensure academic success.
Middle School Curriculum
This curriculum is traditional in resting upon a foundation of vertical cohesion (skills taught in one grade will be built upon in the following grades) and the mastery of crucial academic skills. It is progressive in its emphasis on depth of learning over breadth of exposure, its project- and problem-based orientation and its interdisciplinary nature.