1ST-8TH GRADE CURRICULUM

Our Schedule is below with additional programs including computer laptop learning with computer checkout capabilities.   Internet is available in every class.

Brookfield is known for its strong academics, high SAT scores, and instilling lifelong study habits. We emphasize Reading, Mathematics, and Writing on a daily basis. French, Latin, Science, Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary, Geography, Social Studies, Computer, Thinking Skills, Art, Music, and Physical Education complete each week's studies. Homework is given nightly with the expectation of completion. Scholarship is valued and is recognized.

General School Curriculum

·         Small Reading Groups in the classroom.

·          Gifted and Talented Literature program for 2^nd and 3^rd grades using the “Junior Great Books”

·          Accelerated Reading has dramatically increased students’ reading comprehension skills by 1 to 2 grades since September. We are able to track progress using computer diagnostics. The PTA and individual parents have continued to improve the computer program by moving to “on-line” tests and adding books in the library.  Students achieve reading awards.

·         Daily writing is expected in journals, essays, research projects, poetry, creative writing.

·         Emphasis on vocabulary development, literary appreciation and study skills. Reading and writing buddies with younger grade students providing mentoring opportunities.

·         Saxon Math advanced grade level Pre1st-6^th.

·         Small math groupings based on ability in 4^th-8^th grades.

·         High School level and advanced math offering: Pre-algebra, Algebra 1 with Algebra 2 and Geometry.

·         French instruction beginning in Pre-School - 8^th grade.

·         Spanish instruction optional for 4^th –8^th grades as an elective.

·         The Latin program is very popular with the 5^th - 8th grades.

·         Emphasis on science by allocating class time daily, including a weekly “Hands-on-Science” for all

grades.

·         5^th – 8^th At each grade level a different area of study is stressed: Life, Physical, Earth Science.

·         Art emphasis school-wide.

·         Outdoors daily PS-P1st. PE twice a week P1st-3^rd. PE four times a week 4^th-8^th.

·         5-8th  PE programs introduction to sports on campus, and an optional program with Lakeridge Tennis Club; with a coach, swimming, tennis, racquet ball, weight training, etc,

·         10 great years of Our Chautauqua program, this enhances students’ public speaking skills.  Public speaking is the skill that children gain through Chautauqua, declamations, poetry and oral classroom projects.

·         Friendship and, character building, goal setting, personal values growth and conflict resolution classes.

·         Junior Achievement Program in economics and entrepreneurism.

·         Exciting Grade 5-8 Friday Electives; orienteering, environmental science, ski/board club, golf, community service, journalism, drama, guitar, digital photography, web page construction, computers, and Photoshop and off campus activities are planned every year for Reno’s best middle school grades preparing for their high school experience:

Ø     Overnight retreat with ropes, team-building and leadership building at “Project Discovery”

Ø     Week long Marine Biology Science Camp in Southern California on Catalina Island,

Ø     Cooking class at “Nothing To It” Cooking School.

·         Upper Grade Student Council:  Student Council is to encourage, promote, and sponsor extra –curricular activities.  The organization is composed of 4 officers, elected at large.

Technology and Student to Teacher Ratios

·         Every year we have expanded our technology program.   Each classroom has access to high-speed internet computers for quick and easy research capability.

·         Main campus student to computers ratio is 4:1.

·         Student to certified teacher ratio is 14:1 main campus.  Student to teacher ratio is 6:1 for TLC Campus.

·         Entire student to staff ratio on main campus is 10:1.  This includes enrichment teachers and aides.

Additional Remedial and Accelerated Programs

·         Math Lab: based on a University model, has positive results in promoting math fluency; which is speed, and accuracy in computation in a fun and lively way.

·         We offer Stanford University’s EPGY (Educational Program for Gifted Youth) in math.  Students progress to the next grade in 2-3 months with regular attendance. 

·         Reading Lab: Designed to mirror national research-based models, is offered for increasing fluency and comprehension Pre1st – 2^nd Grades have been extremely successful in putting children on the path of fluent reading well before the 2nd grade.

TLC – Toddler Learning Center - Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten

·         We have a full curriculum, including mathematics, language arts, penmanship, science, phonics, French, dance, music and computers for our 3 and 4 year olds, and “Mommies & Me” is an introduction to the lively social and academic world of Preschool.