Art Curriculum offers open-ended activities that focus on process rather than a product. The PreSchoolers have daily opportunities in class to explore the elements of design; line, shape, form, color, texture, and space. Through these activities, students learn to see, sense, recall, and become more aware of their surroundings. A variety of art media including tempera paint, watercolors, clay, glue, crayons, oil pastels, chalk, colored pencils, and etc. These tools are available for them daily to explore a variety of processes such as painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, and environmental works. This is the groundwork for future problem solvers.

The core curriculum for the library adds depth to all other curricular areas for each grade level. We seek to foster a love of reading in our students by exploring literature and engaging in book discussions. We believe that research and information literacy skills are vital to success across every subject area. Guided by standards outlined by the American Library Association, we teach students how to find and access information effectively and efficiently, how to critically evaluate information and its sources, how to incorporate research into their own work, and how to properly cite information gathered through this process in their own work.

PreSchool students participate in the joy of musical learning through Music Together inspired classes. Students explore rhythm, pitch, steady beat, and more by listening and moving their bodies to different songs, chants, and stories.

All students PreSchool - 8th Grade  have weekly physical education in the gymnasium or out on the field. Students take part in a variety of activities and units that follow and adhere to The Shape America Physical Education Standards. Some of the units that we teach at TCS are...low ropes course (Signature Program), soccer, golf, floor hockey, lacrosse, and cooperative games.

The Physical Education Department, first and foremost, is responsible for helping our young people acquire the skills and self-confidence they need to participate in a wide variety of physical activities. The curriculum seeks to develop strength, stamina, and coordination. Our hope is that what is gained through our fun and developmentally appropriate activities will go with them well beyond their school days. Students learn the motor skills necessary to participate in a wide variety of physical activities, helping them to understand the link between physical activity and good health.

Preschool Students meet once per week for 30 minutes. Students begin to learn spatial awareness, non-locomotor/locomotor skills, early object manipulation tasks and group cooperation activities. Class format - Classes begin with a cardio/muscular strength/endurance activity; activity introduction; 1-2 activities; closure. Preschool teachers assist where needed.

The Spanish PreSchool program is inspired by the Comprehensive Input. CI is based on scientific research on Second Language Acquisition that shows that language learning is most effective when it occurs through input that is personal, compelling and understandable. This dynamic program uses puppets, songs, rhymes, games, new vocabulary, and storytelling to encompass all areas of early childhood development while teaching a second language.

In the classroom, children extend their learning by utilizing the STEAM components for more in-depth investigation, teacher/student collaboration, student-initiated learning, and additional sharing of ideas. Collaboration with co-curricular teachers further enhances the children’s learning experiences and opportunities.

The Country School embraces the Responsive Classroom approach. This teaching philosophy helps foster respectful relationships and a positive, nurturing classroom environment. Associated research has shown that the greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction, and that by establishing these respectful relationships within the classroom, students work together more effectively and collaboratively.  The principles supporting the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching suggest that in order to be successful academically and socially, children need a set of social skills: cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control. (CARES). This year we will be spending much of our time focusing on Cooperation. These skills are vital attributes necessary for social and academic growth and for the development of a positive learning community. All teachers at The Country School incorporate this educational philosophy.

The Elmore Leadership Program at The Country School recognizes that at each grade level, students will develop leadership skills in different ways and at different times. In keeping with this continuum, the PreSchool through Eighth Grade Program strives to develop students into civic-minded citizens who will consistently practice our TCS core values of kindness, respect, and responsibility. Through carefully crafted activities, programs, and experiences, our students learn the power of teamwork, collaboration, empathetic listening, and appreciative inquiry.

The PreSchool program strives to create a nurturing learning environment. We support the development of trusting relationships between adults and children. Our intention is to balance between our daily routines and spontaneity, which provides unique opportunities for individual growth. Our rich integrated curriculum engages all learning styles, with an intent for individual motivation and success. This positive and supportive climate inspires creativity and discovery.