Curriculum
Learning is a lifetime pursuit. It is facilitated by the development of a solid core of academic concepts and skills as well as a strong sense of both personal worth and community. In an increasingly complex and interdependent world, Kingsbury's program strives to develop lifelong learners whose insight, creativity and resourcefulness allows them to grow with change, think critically and make reasoned decisions.
A visit to Kingsbury on a school day quickly reveals the cordial, cooperative spirit that prevails. From the "morning meeting" where student highlights are shared and the first classroom work begins to the end of the day, Kingsbury's goal is to build a community of confident learners. As adults, Kingsbury Kids are effective team leaders, creative problem solvers, aware of the world community and respectful of the environment. As active members of any work team, students learn to appreciate the unique skills and applaud the successes of each team member. Kingsbury Kids learn early on to evaluate solutions and to reach consensus about the best outcome for a given situation. Respect for the ideas and abilities of each person in our community is reflected in our educational philosophy.
Various Roles
To understand Kingsbury's curriculum it helps to look at the dynamics of the interrelated roles. Each element is equally important in influencing the Kingsbury curriculum:
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Kingsbury Kids
Their developmental levels, learning styles, past experiences, and multiple intelligences -
Kingsbury Teachers
Their enthusiasm, dedication, experience, expertise, love of children and passion for teaching -
Kingsbury Administration
Providing leadership, support for innovation and creativity as well as financial support for professional development, texts and materials -
Kingsbury Community
Teachers, students and parents working together to create a learning climate of excitement, respect and challenge -
ISACS
Independent School Association of the Central States, our accrediting agency, guide for the evaluation process and educational resource agency -
AIMS
Association of Independent Michigan Schools a strong member organization offering creative, cutting-edge professional development opportunities and resources -
IBO
International Baccalaureate Organization provides the framework and authorization for the Primary Years Programme -
Kingsbury Methodology
Stresses assessment of each individual's ability and skills, attention to individual needs, challenge appropriate for ability and developmental level, personalized curriculum and experiential learning -
Affective Goals
Promote self-esteem through success, development of a sense of responsibility for self and others, respect for achievement, and a love of ideas and learning
Details
Kingsbury's curriculum was designed to reflect the philosophy of the school and is constantly reviewed and evaluated to ensure it contains the best content and practices. It is dedicated to teaching children as individuals, with their own potential, interests and needs. Learning experiences are success-based, and planned to involve the child in the learning process. Children have the opportunity to learn to make decisions and to work independently.
Kingsbury's curriculum charts the course for learning from Junior Kindergarten through Grade Eight. It includes language arts, mathematics, science, environmental studies, social studies, Spanish, art, music and physical education. The use of technology is embedded in the curriculum at all levels. World Language and environmental studies are also fully integrated from Junior Kindergarten through the eighth grade. Opportunities for creativity abound. Teachers enthusiastically coach students to bring good ideas to reality.
The youngest Kingsbury students are in a developmentally-oriented academic program. As students master the basics, increasingly challenging concepts are introduced. Creativity, critical thinking and presentation skills are enhanced as each year is added. If you'd like a full copy of the detailed and comprehensive JK – 8 curriculum, please contact us.
Electives and Extracurricular Activities
In middle school, choices for study grow broader each year. An elective program, rich in variety and appeal, makes it possible for 6th graders to choose art, music, additional environmental studies or other choices for four periods a week. Seventh and eighth graders select six periods weekly from electives. Electives are taught by the faculty, and classes allow students to explore new interests or to sharpen skills. Sections vary each year. Recent offerings have included model rockets, photography, drama, chess, lifetime sports and others.
Evidence of students' ability with art is visible in displays throughout the school. Music and drama students present a variety of performances during the year. Physical education introduces activities that promote fitness and encourage lifetime skills for recreation. Included are outdoor activities, team sports, and an after-school athletic program, including competition with other schools in soccer, baseball, basketball and volleyball for older boys and girls. A unique downhill ski program, held at a local ski area, involves the whole school - teachers, students and parents, learning to enjoy the sport together.
Kingsbury's library is the hub of activity at the school and is a rich resource for students. Children develop the ability to find and use information at an early age to benefit their schooling. Fully automated, the library contains over 8,000 books, plus periodicals and audio-visual materials. A highlight of the library is the Halsey reading room as well an intimate yet visually exciting storytelling room.
