Elementary School (JK-4)
Elementary School at Kingsbury is divided into two sections: Lower and Upper Elementary.
Lower Elementary
Consisting of grades Junior Kindergarten – 2nd grade, lower elementary students have their classes in the charming and secure north campus building. Reading and Mathematics fundamentals are often taught in shared experiences so that individual strengths can be encouraged. Reading is literature-based using guided reading and leveled books. Junior Great Books are introduced in grade two.
The concept of class books and journals begins in JK. Imaginative and factual writing is taught throughout the four grades in Lower Elementary. Mathematics moves from beginning matching and counting to simple story problems, calculator use, beginning multiplication and problem solving strategies. Art, Spanish and Environmental Studies are integrated into the day-to-day curriculum for all four grades. Children in JK – 2 take their music and physical education classes on the south campus.
Environmental studies usually takes the students out into the woods, waters, and fields of Kingsbury to experience hands-on nature studies. Kingsbury Kids in these grades enjoy an especially nurturing, caring environment where kindness and interdependence are reinforced frequently. Parental involvement is very high in grades JK – 2, with "secret readers," art-reach docents, special events and day to day activities all generously enhanced by parents, grandparents and special friends.
Upper Elementary
Students in grades 3 – 5 have their classrooms in the east wing of the south campus building. The three classes do a number of activities together so that there is a genuine feeling of the Upper Elementary children being a team. Kingsbury's literature-based reading curriculum continues to emphasize comprehension and confidence in reading skills. Junior Great Books continue with book projects, writer's notebooks, oral reporting and formal speeches becoming integrated in the activities. Wordly Wise is used to build vocabulary power.
In mathematics, multiplication and division begin in grade three. Fractions, measurement and the use of graphing and spreadsheets come into the picture in Upper Elementary. By fifth grade, fractions, decimals and equivalents are mastered and pre-algebra and pre-geometry are introduced.
Students in this group begin to excel in their knowledge of the world around them. Social Studies, Science and Environmental Studies are in-depth and challenging. Competitive sports are introduced in grade five.
