Our School and Curriculum 2018–2019 Learning at NPS National Presbyterian School is committed to safeguarding the all-important decade of childhood —the years from Age 3 to Sixth Grade. We believe that love is a precondition to excellent learning. By presenting a challenging academic program in a nurturing school community, we give children the intellectual, spiritual, personal, physical and emotional foundations that will enable them to be successful learners and good people. Contents INTRODUCTION . CURRICULUM . GRADES AT A GLANCE . 2 Benefits of Age 3 13 Curriculum Overview 30 Nursery to Sixth Grade 14 Philosophy of Early 31 Sample Nursery Day 3 Seventh Grade Placement Childhood Education 32 Pre-Kindergarten 4 About NPS 15 Project Zero 33 Sample Pre-Kindergarten Day 16 Professional Development 34 Kindergarten STUDENT LIFE 17 Reading 35 Sample Kindergarten Day 8 Diversity and Inclusion 18 Language Arts 36 Kindergarten–Sixth Grade 9 Social & Emotional 19 Mathematics Subject Frequency Chart Development 20 Science 37 First Grade 10 Service Learning 21 Social & Global Studies 38 Second Grade 11 Morning Meetings 22 Spanish 39 Third Grade & Assemblies 23 Chapel & Religious Studies 40 Fourth Grade 12 Athletics 24 Physical Education & Recess 41 Fifth Grade 25 Music 42 Sixth Grade: A Capstone Year 26 Visual Arts 27 Drama 28 Library 29 Technology 1 INTRODUCTION Benefits of Age 3 to Sixth Grade We understand that grade range is and should be an NPS graduates are highly sought after by a wide array important factor in school choice. So why choose NPS, of schools in Seventh Grade. a school for 3 year olds through Sixth Grade? Our students are renowned for academic sophistication, confidence, and compassion. Admissions officers, We believe the Age 3 to Sixth Grade model is best heads of school, and faculty who receive our students for children. consistently comment to us that NPS is a favorite feeder We specialize in the “decade of childhood,” from the because our graduates transition seamlessly both time that children are ready for an independent school academically and socially. experience until they are 12 years old and sit on the cusp of adolescence. As an elementary-only school, Seventh Grade is the ideal time to make a change. we celebrate these fleeting and foundational years, NPS’s elementary school experience enables parents and we’re experts in serving the intellectual, spiritual to make an informed decision about the best middle and and ethical formation of children. high school fit for their child among the many and diverse options in the DC area. Students, meanwhile, are ready At NPS, children can remain children longer. for a change, and they’re excited about the opportunity The oldest students at NPS benefit from focused attention to reinvent themselves when they transition to their without the presence of teenagers in Seventh and Eighth new schools. Grade. Sixth Graders are intellectually mature and ready to expand their world views, yet they remain receptive to guidance from adults. Freedom from the influence of older students gives Sixth Graders more time to reflect on where they’ve been and who they want to be. They graduate from NPS well-equipped to navigate the challenges that they will face in their teenage years. 2 Seventh Grade Placement Starting in the spring of Fifth Grade, our Outplacement OUTPLACEMENT SUCCESS – THE CLASS OF 2018 Team, comprised of the Head of School, Director of Upper Division and Outplacement, the Sixth Grade Teachers, and the School Counselor, engages students STUDENTS applied to SCHOOLS and parents in a hands-on placement process helping 32 21 to identify schools that are a strong fit, guiding them throughout the application process, and advocating for children at the schools to which they apply. 87% OF THE 6TH GRADERS were accepted to multiple schools 15 SCHOOLS enrolled members of the Class of 2018 NPS Graduating Class 2016 2017 2018 TOTAL Placement 2016–2018 Connelly School of the Holy Child 2 2 in DC area schools The Field School 2 1 3 Georgetown Day School 1 1 Holton-Arms School 6 5 4 15 Landon School 2 6 2 10 Maret School 1 2 3 6 McLean School 1 1 National Cathedral School 3 1 5 9 Norwood School 1 1 2 Potomac School 3 2 5 Public Schools 1 3 1 5 Sidwell Friends School 4 4 3 11 St. Albans School 3 2 2 7 St. Andrew’s Episcopal School 1 1 2 4 St. Anselm’s Abbey School 3 1 4 Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart 1 3 4 8 Washington Episcopal School 1 1 0 2 Woods Academy 1 1 3 INTRODUCTION About NPS CORE VALUES The School embraces and seeks to engender in its students five Core Values: love, respect, honesty, responsibility, and safety. MISSION & HISTORY National Presbyterian School is proud to celebrate our including governance, programming, and use of our 50th year in 2018–2019. common campus and facilities. As always, the School Founded in 1969 as an educational mission of The welcomes children of all religions, races, and nationalities. National Presbyterian Church (NPC), National Presbyterian School is a traditional, co-educational elementary school ENROLLMENT & STUDENT BODY dedicated to educational excellence in an ecumenical Christian environment. A loving and inclusive community, The NPS student body is approximately 300 students, NPS strives to help children develop intellectual, spiritual, age 3–Grade 6, enrolled in two divisions: and personal foundations that will serve them throughout Lower Division (Nursery–Grade 1): 2 sections of Nursery; their lives. 3 sections of Pre-Kindergarten–Grade 1 The history of NPS is tied to that of the National Upper Division (Grades 2–6): 2–3 sections of each grade Presbyterian Church. The School was initially a cooperative nursery program for three- and four-year old children of NPS students come from DC, Maryland and Virginia. the surrounding community and members of the Church. 31.2% of the student body identifies themselves as African Over the years, additional grades were added, and the American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian American, Middle first Sixth Grade graduated in 1986. Students at this Eastern America, international, or multiracial. school benefit from an ongoing partnership with NPC 4 SCHOOL HOURS Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten: Three schedule options are available. Five mornings, 8:30 am to Noon (Nursery only) Five mornings, 8:30 am to Noon, plus three afternoons (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) until 3:15 pm Five mornings, 8:30am to Noon, plus five afternoons (Monday–Friday) until 3:15 pm Kindergarten–Grade 6: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 3:15 pm CAMPUS Drop off begins at 8:00 am. For all students, early care (Early Birds) is available from National Presbyterian School shares the 12-acre campus 7:30 am to 8:00 am and after school care (After 3 Club) of the National Presbyterian Church conveniently located is available until 6:00 pm every day. in Northwest Washington, DC. The school facilities include a gym, library, technology lab/makerspace, science lab, multipurpose room, art and music studios. All homerooms in Grades 1–6, and most specialists’ rooms, are equipped with SMART Boards. A securely fenced playground, featuring a sport court area with basketball hoops, playground equipment, amphitheater, and soccer field, is adjacent to the School. The grounds of the Church and School feature sculpture, fountains, gardens, lawns, and mature trees. FACULTY NPS has 50 full- and part-time teaching faculty, including homeroom teachers, teaching associates, and specialty teachers in reading, math, science, Spanish, technology, art, music, drama, religion, physical education, counseling, and library. The average tenure is over nine years. Over 69% of lead teachers hold advanced degrees. NPS devotes considerable time and resources to professional development in all areas of curriculum and instruction so that the faculty stays current on best practices in the field of education. 5 INTRODUCTION LUNCH PROGRAM NPS offers a daily hot lunch program to students in Nursery to Sixth Grade on each full day of school. Our caterer, Ridgewells’ Catering, has over 20 years of school lunch catering experience in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and has a proven track record of consistently delivering fresh, healthy dining options that are both allergen conscious and nutritionally balanced. In addition to a hot entrée with a vegetarian option, there are always salad and deli bars. A portion of the proceeds of the lunch program benefits the Jay Roudebush Author- in-Residence program. DRESS CODE NPS students dress according to a dress code. The mission of the dress code is for children to look neat and respectful, but clothing must be suitable throughout an active day which includes recess and physical education. FINANCIAL AID NPS understands and appreciates the financial commitment families undertake in deciding to send their children to our school. In order to ensure that the NPS community remains inclusive and an option to families at all socioeconomic levels, the School provides over $1.4 million in need-based financial aid annually. For the 2018–2019 school year, approximately 21% of students receive financial assistance to help offset the cost of tuition. Families receiving tuition assistance are also eligible for financial support for before care (Early Birds), after care (After 3 Club), After School Program classes, Lunch Program, and Summer Horizons Camp. 6 BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL Early Birds The Early Birds program operates from 7:30 to 8:00 am each school day for students in Nursery – Grade 6. Supervision is provided by NPS faculty and staff, and students participate in quiet age-appropriate activities. A variety of snacks is available for Early Birds who have not yet eaten breakfast. Families needing occasional use of the program may utilize the program on a drop-in basis.