LS Curriculum

Beginning in PreK 3, for students who have turned 3 years old by September 1st the year they would attend, our PreKindergarten students embrace a healthy curiosity about life and become proactive participants in the learning process through an integrated curriculum, center-oriented classrooms and “hands-on, minds-on” activities.

This is accomplished through our half-day core curriculum, yet is further enhanced by our full-day options with Afternoon PreK Extend offerings, in which students may enroll in any number of afternoons, thereby offering parents options for either half or full day PreK. The afternoon programs are fully integrated with the morning curriculum and utilize the same faculty for a seamless full day for those who select it.
 
Our core curriculum includes:

• Language Arts - pre-reading, pre-writing and listening skills; expressive and receptive language development
• Math - numeration, counting, measuring, patterning and graphing data
• Science/Environment - observing, predicting, discovering, questioning, classifying and concluding
• Weekly STEM classes in Beasley STEM Center
• Social Studies/Cultural - multicultural awareness, careers and American heroes
• Spanish - vocabulary and Latino culture
• Technology - introduction to the computer as a tool for learning
• Religion and Service - daily chapel and outreach projects
• Art & Music - self-expression and creativity
• P.E./Motor Lab - gross motor skills, physical activity and teamwork

Primer is a unique transitional year between Kindergarten and 1st grade designed to give students the time and space for social, emotional and developmental growth in preparation for 1st grade.  Students have opportunities to explore, collaborate and build independence and self-help skills through the invigorating curriculum.  Students participate in whole group, small group and individual instruction for literacy and math to achieve personalization and differentiation.  Additionally, Parish has partnered with Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park to create customized field trips and learning experiences that enrich the students’ curriculum.  Students turning 6 years old after February 1st are eligible for Primer consideration.

We understand that a child’s development and learning are integrated. Therefore, based on an emergent and integrated curriculum, Kindergarten through 2nd grade lessons are developed around students’ daily explorations that enable them to make connections across subject areas. 

• Whole group, small group, and individual lessons and learning experiences in language arts, reading and math
• Emphasis on oral and written communication skills
• Writing Workshop
• “Hands-on” and “Minds-on” activities and explorations, inquiry-based learning
• Weekly STEM and technology classes at Beasley STEM Center 
• Daily P.E. classes
• Fine arts comprised of music and art
• Daily chapel services
• Spanish classes twice per week
• Outreach projects to develop the students’ awareness to serve

Building upon a solid, core curriculum of language arts, reading, mathematics, social studies and science, Parish 3rd and 4th grade students are encouraged to explore their possibilities.

Enrichment classes, such as Spanish, art, music, library, computer, religion (including Daily Chapel) and physical education, are an integral part of fostering students’ individual talents, as well as encouraging creativity and developing skills to lead a healthy, balanced life.
 
An emphasis on organization and study habits is also an important part of the 3rd and 4th grade program, as they promote independent, self-directed learning. As a complement to the curriculum, focus is given to developing students’ emerging understanding of the world at large through interaction with their peers as well as through community service.
 
In preparation for Middle School, the Lower School teachers encourage collaboration as well as individual responsibility. A major emphasis is in guiding each student to lead and serve with integrity and helping them become a positive influence in the school community.