Kindergarten

The Kindergarten program focuses on beginning reading and writing skills by enhancing boys’ communication skills, building reading comprehension strategies through daily read-alouds, exploring introductory writing lessons, and through small reading groups. A multi-dimensional curriculum of phonics activities, sight word vocabulary, and handwriting development is supported by The Wilson Fundations program and leveled classroom libraries.

KinderFirst

In Kinderfirst, students build their reading and early writing skills at an accelerated pace through the Wilson Fundations program and by participating in small group literacy instruction several times each week. KinderFirst students are exposed to increasingly complex word and spelling patterns as they delve into a variety of both fiction and nonfiction texts. Through explicit instruction of phonics, handwriting, and spelling, boys build both their vocabularies and automatic recall of sight words. Reading instruction includes direct instruction and practice with a variety of decoding and comprehension strategies to solidify students’ understanding of text. In the second half of the year, KinderFirst boys work to build their writing stamina and skills through daily journal entries and more advanced writing projects such as how-to books and personal narratives.

Grade 1

In first grade, reading instruction is thoughtfully structured to include a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction texts explored through daily small-group literacy lessons and independent reading time. Students are exposed to diverse literature, including stories, poetry, and informational texts, with an intentional emphasis on Browning’s core values. Through guided instruction, students learn to use syntactic and contextual clues to strengthen oral fluency and deepen reading comprehension. Foundational literacy skills, including phonics, spelling patterns, handwriting, capitalization, and punctuation, are explicitly taught through Wilson Fundations and reinforced with engaging multi-sensory activities. Personal narratives and daily journal writing provide opportunities for creative expression as students grow into confident, emergent writers with developing skills in organization of content, grammar, and spelling.

Grade 2

In second grade, students explore a wide variety of theme-related books and current authors to promote a love of reading. Comprehensive exercises and small group discussions foster critical thinking and develop students’ ability to make inferences and draw conclusions, deepening their overall comprehension skills. Studying authors’ styles, comparing fantasy and reality, and using reference books for research build skills in creative and expository writing. Students engage in daily small-group reading instruction in leveled groups. The Wilson Fundations Program progresses further into the study of word structure, reinforcing phonemic awareness, spelling patterns and sight words, irregular spellings, prefixes, and suffixes. Grammar, sentence structure, and parts of speech are reinforced through written and oral exercises. Grade 2 boys learn to brainstorm, organize, edit, and publish their writing. Writing units include creative story writing, narrative writing, poetry, persuasive writing, and informational report writing.

Grade 3

Grade 3 students increase vocabulary, develop higher thinking skills, and move toward greater fluency and understanding of oral and written language while continuing to develop their love of reading through various literary forms. Creativity, self-motivation, and independence in all areas of reading and writing are emphasized. Students learn the structure and parts of a story or text, and how to read and write non-fiction text. Third-grade boys learn to construct an expository essay, craft fictional narratives based on an author-study, and use writing to communicate their ideas with increased clarity and detail. More advanced spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and sentence structure techniques continue to be studied. Writing projects throughout the year allow students to draft, revise, and edit their work supported by increasingly complex rubrics.

Grade 4

Grade 4 boys read a variety of novels and texts across multiple genres that reflect Browning’s values, particularly the value of dignity. Selected works highlight a range of perspectives and life experiences, helping students strengthen comprehension skills while developing empathy and critical thinking. As writers, students explore expository, persuasive, creative, and personal narratives, applying techniques such as figurative language and focusing upon vocabulary building. Students develop a keen sense of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and paragraph development, as well as note taking techniques, as they research and prepare multimedia presentations about the lives of individuals who exemplify our Browning values.

Grade 5

The Grade 5 humanities curriculum introduces students to narratives set in a variety of historical periods and settings. Offering a range of perspectives on major events from the 20th century, novels contextualize an integrated humanities program in which each setting and period inspires inquiry through a historical lens. Students use close reading strategies, including inferring, questioning, visualizing, and predicting to build comprehension skills with more complex texts. Each student creates a record of his thinking, including wonderings, questions, feelings, and conclusions about each novel through annotation and reflection. Grade 5 boys engage in daily writing practice to develop vocabulary and build grammatical fluency. Writing instruction focuses on increasingly sophisticated sentence and paragraph composition, often based on prompts from the class novels. From simple and complex sentences to single- and multi-paragraph assignments, the boys develop a strong foundation in expository and creative writing.

Assessment

Each boy’s reading level is formally assessed several times each year in Kindergarten through Grade 2. In Grades 3-5 the boys take the MAP assessment in the fall and the spring to measure growth and proficiency in reading and mathematics skills. The results are used for program planning, and scores are shared with parents and teachers.

Kindergarten

In Kindergarten, boys explore the topic of community by learning about each other through artifacts and stories from our families and traditions. This encourages students to pursue new knowledge, develop empathy, and appreciate different perspectives. We extend our learning to explore the Browning community and the ways people function within it by interviewing faculty and staff members from the larger community. Students are introduced to our core values of honesty, dignity, curiosity and purpose and explore what it means to be a Browning boy and a good friend within and outside our school community. Throughout the year we learn tools to support becoming independent, self-reliant, and compassionate community members.

KinderFirst

In Kinderfirst, boys explore the topic of community by learning about our Browning community and their place within it. As boys get to know each other and the many other people who make up our community, lessons focus on how a caring community helps us to live our Browning values, develop empathy, and appreciate different perspectives. KF students then participate in an exploration of their own selves and families and how they are members of various communities. Students will examine their own personal timelines and share family stories with one another in order to better understand how families and communities have both similarities and differences, providing unique qualities that make each of us special. Discussions of historical figures, heroes, and holidays throughout the year encourage the boys to become responsible citizens of the world.

Grade 1

Grade 1 students begin an in-depth exploration of themselves and their environment by studying their families and communities. Important units explore families past and present, as well as community economics. Through these units, students recognize the important roles of people they may encounter daily, and their own responsibilities as citizens of their local and global communities. Grade 1 boys discuss how families and communities may look different and celebrate the unique qualities that make each of us special by sharing their own family stories and histories. Throughout these investigations, they learn to appreciate and celebrate both the similarities and differences within their own classroom communities. Additionally, discussion of holidays and cultural traditions throughout the year encourage the boys to become curious citizens of the world.

Grade 2

Students begin the year by learning about how we govern ourselves within our class, school, and communities. We discuss rights, rules, and the responsibilities of community members. Our geography unit then begins with the study of orientation, mapping tools, and cardinal directions. Building on their knowledge of mapping, students engage in an inquiry into the 50 states and find evidence for how geography, climate, and natural resources influence the lifestyles and cultures of people in each state. Our final unit delves into an exploration of New York City neighborhoods and boroughs, including important landmarks and the subway system. Students develop research, presentation, and collaborative skills throughout the year, with each unit enriched by field trips and culminating projects that show their depth of understanding.

Grade 3

In Grade 3 social studies, the year begins with an in-depth study of Native Americans who lived in the woodland areas that are now New York. We then move on to examining the Pilgrims, one of the first groups of Europeans who settled in North America. The year ends with a study of immigration as we examine historical events and cultures with respect and curiosity, encouraging students to ask questions and consider multiple perspectives as they explore immigration stories in their own family’s history. The social studies curriculum is closely tied to writing instruction as expository essays are written during the study of Native Americans, journal writing is done during the study of the Pilgrims, and research projects are completed when learning about immigration. Throughout these units, students participate in large and small group activities that help to discover the value of teamwork and cooperation. Field trips, art, music, and literature are used to enrich the curriculum.

Grade 4

Through novel study, research, and multimedia tools, students learn how to synthesize historical understanding and analyze literature to explore concepts of human dignity. Engaging in interdisciplinary thematic units, students study inspiring individuals throughout history who reflect our Browning values. Additional topics in Grade 4 social studies include an introduction to civics and governmental systems, as well as a continued exploration of geography which builds on learning from previous grades. Finally, Grade 4 boys engage in an in-depth study of the American Revolution as they build research and writing skills within the social sciences.

Grade 5

Through integrated study of literature, history, and the social sciences, Grade 5 boys deepen their engagement as students of the humanities. Beginning with a structured approach in the fall, students gradually assume greater responsibility for the inquiry process when exploring historical movements and periods. By spring, boys choose their own topic as well as the form of a project, performance, or original piece to most effectively demonstrate their learning. Developing the skill to create and effectively employ open- and closed-ended research questions informs all facets of this work.

Kindergarten

The Kindergarten math program gives boys a deeper understanding of basic mathematical concepts such as the physical quantity of a number, sorting, patterning, counting, adding, and subtracting through hands-on, concrete activities. Teacher resources include Math in Focus which is based upon Singapore Math. Students focus on concentrated fact fluency practice within 20 and exploring number patterns to 100. To ensure solid understanding and retention of skills, previously introduced concepts are reinforced as new topics such as measurement, money, and shapes are introduced.

KinderFirst

KinderFirst boys explore math through hand-on activities, games with math manipulatives, and interactive lessons designed to build their understanding of numeracy and mathematical concepts. Using Math in Focus, a Singapore Math-based program, boys learn to problem solve in a variety of ways, using concrete, pictorial, and abstract representations of numbers and operations. KinderFirst math units include a deep exploration of place value, concepts of addition and subtraction through number bonds, and eventually multi-digit addition and subtraction. Along the way, KF boys will also study geometry, measurement, money, time, and introductory graphing concepts.

Grade 1

In Grade 1, math instruction combines teacher-led lessons, hands-on activities, and interactive games using math manipulatives to build a strong foundation using concrete, pictorial, and abstract mathematical concepts. Students are introduced to multiple strategies for problem solving, encouraging flexible thinking and confidence in mathematics. Areas of study include patterns, place value, multi-digit addition and subtraction, word problems, graphing, measurement, geometry, money, and time. Instruction is supported through Math in Focus, a Singapore Math–based program that emphasizes conceptual understanding through number bonds, as well as problem-solving skills.

Grade 2

The Grade 2 mathematics program continues work with Math in Focus, as concepts and skills are reinforced and deepened through the continued use of hands-on manipulatives and visual modeling. Grade 2 students focus on manipulating number facts, determining extended place value, addition and subtraction with regrouping to three digits, working with concepts of time and money, and understanding word problems. Later in the year, introductory multiplication, division, and fractional concepts are covered, as well as measurement and ways of applying math skills to real-world situations using bar models.

Grade 3

Students at the third grade level are learning to work quickly and efficiently with the number system. Computational accuracy is emphasized. Boys employ basic mathematics skills, both computational and conceptual, including addition, subtraction, place value, multiplication, division, simple algebra, geometry, and beginning fractions. The curriculum is geared towards solving real-world problems. In addition to math games and projects, Math in Focus supports this curriculum.

Grade 4

In Grade 4 math classes, advanced concepts working with fractions and decimals are integrated as students learn to compute using fractional numbers. Additionally, students practice measurement and geometry, learn to arrive at reasonable estimates, and organize and interpret data represented in a variety of formats. Mental arithmetic and math terminology are solidified, with the ultimate goal of helping the students become computationally fluent and confident as they respond to and apply mathematical instruction. Grade 4 continues to use the Singapore Math-based program, Math in Focus, as well as engage in several creative “math lab” projects throughout the year through which math skills are applied to real-world situations.

Grade 5

Grade 5 math begins with advanced exploration of whole numbers and their operations. Visual models and games are incorporated to enhance number sense and mathematical reasoning. Boys practice ways to explain the reasoning behind their problem-solving processes as they deepen their understanding of fractions, decimals, and percentages through increasingly sophisticated problems. Geometry and data analysis are also covered, with a focus on the real-world application of mathematics. Low stakes quizzes (LSQs) give frequent feedback on progress to the student and teacher, and larger tests, projects, and math lab activities allow students to demonstrate and deepen their understanding of the subject through the use of the Singapore Math-based program, Math in Focus.

Kindergarten

In kindergarten science, students explore the world around them through observation, play, hands-on investigations, and engineering design challenges. Young scientists investigate forces and motion by experimenting with pushes and pulls, building marble runs, and testing how objects move. Throughout the year, students take on the role of meteorologists by observing, recording, and analyzing New York City weather patterns, using their findings to make predictions about future weather. Kindergarten boys also explore the needs of plants and animals by growing seeds, observing living organisms, investigating habitats, and learning how living things depend on their environment to survive. Through studies of natural resources, sunlight, and Earth's surface, students discover how humans interact with and impact the environment while designing solutions to real-world problems. The course fosters curiosity, creativity, and wonder as students develop the skills and habits of scientists and engineers through active exploration and discovery.

KinderFirst & Grade 1

In KF and Grade 1 science, students explore the world around them through hands-on investigations, model building, engineering design challenges, and scientific observation. Students investigate light and sound by exploring how vibrations create sound, how light helps us see, and how engineers use light and sound to communicate over distances. Through studies of the sun, moon, stars, planets, and Earth, students observe patterns in the sky and create models to explain day and night, seasons, eclipses, and our place in the solar system. Boys also learn about animals by investigating how body parts and behaviors help organisms survive, and how parents and offspring work together to meet basic needs. Through observations, comparisons, and evidence-based discussions, students explore inherited traits and discover how individuals within a species can be similar while also showing unique differences. The course nurtures curiosity, creativity, and wonder as boys develop the habits and skills of young scientists and engineers.

Grade 2

In Grade 2 science classes, students learn about measurement and the metric system, discovering how to calculate distance, mass, volume, and temperature. The extinct mammal unit then allows the students to study some of the animals that existed after the dinosaurs. Continuing their study of living organisms, students investigate reproduction as a characteristic of living things through the study of decomposers, fungi and worms, examining the different types of fungi, their anatomy, and life cycle. Additionally, second grade boys study buildings and bridges through a series of design challenges, investigating some of the tallest and most unusual buildings in the world and building their own structures using recycled materials. Finally, we investigate the impact of waste and ways to reduce it, helping students think critically about how people care for the environment in practical ways.

Grade 3

In Grade 3 science classes, boys explore how the world works through hands-on investigations, engineering design challenges, model building, and scientific inquiry. Students study forces and motion, magnetic and electrical interactions, life cycles, inherited traits, habitats, weather, and climate while developing skills in observation, prediction, data collection, and evidence-based reasoning. Through engaging activities such as building simple machines, designing magnetic mazes, creating life cycle models, and collecting and graphing weather data, students discover patterns that help explain the natural world. Engineering challenges encourage boys to design, test, and improve solutions to real-world problems while developing creativity and perseverance. The course emphasizes curiosity, collaboration, problem-solving, and the practices of scientists and engineers.

Grade 4

In Grade 4 science, boys explore how scientists investigate the natural world through hands-on labs, engineering design challenges, models, simulations, and collaborative problem-solving activities. Students will investigate topics such as energy in motion, weathering and erosion, Earth’s systems, waves, natural resources, and the human body while building their skills in observation, data collection, analysis, and scientific communication. Through engaging experiences such as an oil spill cleanup simulation, marble roller coaster design, straw rocket investigations, wave demonstrations, and stream table modeling, boys apply scientific ideas to explain real-world phenomena and solve problems. Students design, test, and refine solutions during engineering challenges that encourage creativity, resilience, and critical thinking. Laboratory experiences and model-building activities provide opportunities for fourth graders to deepen their understanding of how systems interact and change over time. Throughout the course, boys use evidence to construct explanations, ask questions, analyze patterns, and communicate their thinking like scientists and engineers. The course emphasizes curiosity, collaboration, and active exploration as students build foundational scientific knowledge and practices.

Grade 5

The Grade 5 science course focuses on student participation in the processes of science and engineering. Students engage in learning experiences that explore identifying and describing scientific variables, developing models to illustrate matter as tiny particles, and investigating the outcomes of mixing substances. They delve into how energy from the sun supports ecosystems, and how plants make food by using resources from sun, water, and air, as a conversion of energy that runs throughout an ecosystem. Electricity is a focus of energy conversion studies, as the boys make a wired model room - a popular project. Additionally, students model the interactions within Earth's spheres, examining the distribution of Earth's water, analyzing weather patterns, and understanding the geologic time scale and its impact on Earth's surface. This course emphasizes hands-on learning and evidence-based analysis to cultivate a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Kindergarten, KinderFirst and Grade 1

In our youngest grades, boys are introduced to the Spanish language through songs, games, stories, movement, and conversational activities that build foundational vocabulary and listening comprehension. Lessons are interactive, engaging, and designed to foster confidence and enthusiasm for language learning. Along the way, boys explore traditions, celebrations, and everyday life across the Spanish-speaking world, developing both linguistic and cultural awareness.

Grades 3 and 4

Spanish instruction in Grades 2–4 focuses on developing communicative proficiency through meaningful and engaging language experiences. Boys expand their vocabulary while strengthening listening, speaking, reading, and emerging writing skills. They learn to count to 100, express the time and date, ask and answer simple questions, and communicate using high-frequency present-tense verbs. Through role-plays, games, songs, stories, and collaborative activities, boys use language in authentic contexts. Cultural explorations are woven throughout the curriculum, helping boys develop an appreciation for the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.

Grade 5

In Grade 5, boys engage in increasingly sophisticated language experiences, receiving comprehensible input through listening and reading and developing output through speaking and writing. Instruction is carefully sequenced, aligned with world language standards, and supported by Reporteros 1A. Building on the foundation established in earlier grades, boys deepen their understanding of Spanish by expanding their vocabulary, recognizing key grammatical patterns, and developing greater accuracy and confidence in communication. They begin working with high-frequency present-tense verb forms while continuing to strengthen their interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational language skills. The overarching goal is to establish a strong linguistic foundation and a growing repertoire of expressions that boys will continue to develop and refine throughout middle school.

KINDERGARTEN

The Kindergarten art course serves as an introduction to the elements and principles of art, art history, and techniques across a variety of media. A series of scaffolded projects introduces materials and processes of drawing, printmaking, painting, and sculpture. Projects are generally inspired by nature, classroom experiences, and historical themes, including a popular study of penguins through drawing and sculpture. Emphasis is placed on introducing color theory, developing artistic technique, proper use of tools, appropriate studio behavior, and fostering creativity.

KinderFirst

KinderFirst boys are introduced to the elements and principles of art, art history, and techniques across different media, including drawing, printmaking, painting, and sculpture. Emphasis is placed on introducing color theory, developing artistic technique, proper use of tools, appropriate studio behavior, and fostering creativity. Students also engage in an exploration of color mixing and build their skills in ceramics by crafting an animal statuette.

GRADE 1

Grade 1 boys learn many new art skills such as color mixing, drawing to create deep space, using color to create an atmosphere, and paper construction. Students hone their techniques in painting, drawing, and sculpture while expressing themselves through their artwork. The students also develop problem-solving and independent skills in ceramics by creating a sculpture depicting an animal of their choice.

GRADE 2

In Grade 2, art classes focus on individualization and self-expression. Techniques and projects become more involved as the boys continue to study the elements and principles of art. Over the course of the year, students explore the basics of drawing, collage, sculpture and textile arts using a variety of materials and processes. Lessons are built around the study of selected works by a wide range of contemporary and modern masters, as well as cross-curricular topics. The course also serves as a further introduction to ceramics and functional form with the use of slab and coil construction.

GRADE 3

In Grade 3, students take on increased responsibility in the artistic process, engaging in multi-step projects that move from initial sketches to completed works of art. Emphasis is placed on realism as students deepen their understanding of the elements and principles of design. Students practice color mixing, figure drawings, and ceramics. Additionally, third graders explore how music and art interact by creating paintings from listening to classical music pieces. The central project of the year challenges students to sculpt a highly detailed plate of their favorite food, encouraging both creativity and craftsmanship. Finally, students explore textile arts through weaving and the creation of colorful tapestries, introducing them to new materials and methods of artistic expression.

GRADE 4

In Grade 4, students explore a wide range of media, including ink, clay, oil pastel, and paint. A focus is placed on studying different philosophical approaches to making art from around the world by studying vessels and embroidery from a range of cultures and time periods. Students complete a pottery vessel project by looking into ancient ceramic works around the world, especially the ones with animal bodied vessels.

GRADE 5

Grade 5 art is devoted to enhancing each student’s creativity, technical ability and work ethic, while at the same time teaching the elements of good design and composition. Boys explore art using two- and three-dimensional media as activities within each unit include drawing, painting, and ceramics. For their central project, Grade 5 boys create vase art inspired by the Ming dynasty using sgraffito techniques. Each unit is broken into phases designed to improve the understanding of the individual elements and principles of the process. Content for these units uses visual aids and imagery produced by both historically significant and contemporary artists, and cross-curricular components further enrich the program.

Kindergarten - Grade 2

Students in kindergarten through Grade 2 explore music through singing, rhythmic patterns, and playing classroom instruments, as well as moving and listening to music. Basic musical concepts are introduced using songs and games, as well as exercises designed to develop beginning musical reading and writing skills. Note values are studied, with emphasis on reading simple rhythmic notation and an introduction to lines and spaces on the music staff. Students are encouraged to sing in unison and simple rounds, feel and move to the beat of the music individually, and recognize differences in pitch, timbre, tempo, mood, and dynamics. The Kodály solfège syllables are introduced to improve the students’ understanding and performance of melodies, and percussion instruments such as drums, step bells, and xylophones allow boys to explore musical instruments with creativity. In the second half of the year, Grade 2 boys begin to play the recorder. Musical concepts are reinforced through exploration of music and musicians from around the world. Performance opportunities at assemblies are also incorporated into the music program throughout the year.

Grades 3-5

In Grades 3-5, music is experienced through the choral art. Singer-musicianship is developed via the learning and performing of songs from an array of genres and cultures. Carefully chosen, pedagogically-appropriate repertoire helps ensure that every boy finds his “singing voice.” Unison, part songs and rounds drive the curriculum to facilitate accurate, confident, and healthy singing. Once a Browning boy has found his singing voice, he will have his built-in instrument forever, providing a lifetime of enjoyment. Through the singing of songs, a more advanced use of Kodaly solfège syllables also helps improve singer-musicianship. A rigorous study of music theory, ear training, sight-singing, and notation via the learning of songs is implemented as well. The boys learn not only how to sing with their voices, but with their bodies. In addition, there is a focus on performance etiquette, both as singers and as audience members. Performance opportunities include music assemblies, the school-wide Holiday Program, and the Lower School closing ceremony on the last day of school.

Choir

Lower School boys in Grades 3-5 who show an inclination for, and a love of, singing are invited to join the Browning Boychoir. Lower School members meet before, during, and after school once a week. The repertoire is advanced in the volume of pieces learned, musical sophistication, and the range of genres and world traditions. Performance opportunities at Browning include music assemblies, coffeehouses, the Holiday and Spring Concerts, and other Browning events when called upon. Performances outside of Browning include the Interschool Choral Festival, a performance at Six Flags, and other appearances around the city as opportunities arise. There may also be touring opportunities outside of the New York area.

KINDERGARTEN, KinderFirst, & GRADE 1

The primary objectives of library classes in Kindergarten, KinderFirst, and Grade 1 are to ignite literature appreciation, grow an understanding of story structures, and promote comfort in the library. Kindergarteners and KF boys begin library classes by establishing an understanding of what a school library is and how to utilize our school resources in a respectful, effective way. Through wordless picture books, students practice their skills of interpretation, prediction, and observation. Kindergarteners explore storytelling’s power to connect, reveal, and ignite imagination. KinderFirst and Grade 1 boys deepen their understanding of storytelling by examining the roles authors and illustrators play including how one story can be told in a variety of ways by people with unique ideas and perspectives. A highlight of the KF/Grade 1 curriculum is the study of folktales. The boys learn how to define and recognize fables, tall tales, myths, fairy tales, and legends from across the globe.

GRADES 2 - 3

Second grade students examine the “where” of stories and books, delving into a study of where stories come from and the ways in which the setting helps create meaning in literature. Through exploring Cinderella tales from different cultures including Haiti, Zimbabwe, and France, students compare and contrast how the place of origin affects a story. Then the students read a series of modern adaptations of Cinderella tales. This unit culminates in the boys creating their own versions of a Cinderella story. Third graders spend their year in library classes learning to define and recognize literary genres such as historical fiction, fantasy, biography, and informational texts. We focus on nonfiction as the boys engage in a study of biographies, autobiographies, and poetry. The students create their own autobiographies and in the process assess the intersection between what information they want to share, what other people would like to learn about them, and what is uniquely theirs to tell. Lessons also focus on informational texts and how their features help us find facts, as well as practice in decoding the differences between fact and opinion.

GRADE 4

Grade 4 boys begin to hone their research and inquiry skills in the library. In conjunction with writing and social studies projects from their homerooms, students practice keyword searches and learn to identify the most appropriate databases to use when researching. Lessons focus on why we learn to research effectively and how we apply that information. Students also begin to put words to the media literacy skills they learned throughout Lower School and add new tools including looking for bias in sources and appreciating nuance and context as important elements of understanding complex subjects. The boys use both digital and print reference works and learn to evaluate resources they find on the internet. Additionally, fourth grade library classes encourage students to continue developing their own reading lives, exploring a variety of genres and seeking out texts that pique students’ individual interests.

Grade 5

In Grade 5, media literacy classes focus on essential skills such as plagiarism prevention, proper citation of sources, evaluating the credibility of websites and other sources, and learning the basics of recognizing and investigating artificial intelligence. Students also develop critical thinking skills by analyzing online information for accuracy, bias, and reliability. In addition, the librarian supports students in their humanities research projects by teaching effective research strategies, note-taking techniques, source evaluation, and information literacy skills that help students become thoughtful and responsible researchers.

Grades 2-3

In Grades 2-3 CSE classes, boys begin learning the basics of programming with visual block commands. Students are introduced to the foundations of coding starting with sequences, conditionals, loops, and debugging. Programs such as Code.org, CodeMonkey, Scratchjr, and Kodable help to reinforce these skills. Boys also learn to express themselves creatively through the programming of the Dash robot and Ozobots, in addition to exploring use of the design-thinking cycle through design-engineering projects. Through collaboration, boys are able to form interdisciplinary connections and apply their learning to real-world applications as they engineer different robotic structures and challenges for their robots to navigate.

Grade 4

In the Grade 4, boys are introduced to Scratch, a block-based programming language, and learn to create games and animations incorporating more advanced programming blocks such as variables, operators, and functions. They engineer and integrate microcontrollers in their programming in Scratch and begin to understand input and output devices. Using LEGO SPIKE kits, the boys combine engineering and robotics skills to problem solve and innovate. Throughout this course, boys continue to build their understanding of and practice with the design-thinking cycle as they work both independently and collaboratively to code, design, and engineer.

Grade 5

In Grade 5, boys explore responsible and ethical use of technology, focusing on digital citizenship, cyberbullying, and the use of artificial intelligence. Students also gain a foundational understanding of engineering through a hands-on cardboard construction project. Additionally, the boys transition from block-based programming to mastering the basics of programming with text commands using Codesters, a Python-based platform as they design and develop their own games and animations using basic code. The year concludes with an open-ended interdisciplinary project that reflects the boys’ learning in their humanities class.

Kindergarten, KinderFirst & Grade 1

Daily PE classes for our youngest Panthers begin with a warm-up activity including a jog, tag game, or cardiovascular exercises to elevate students’ heart rates and prepare them for physical activity. Warm-up routines and games also include strength-building exercises and stretches to improve flexibility. In movement education, students focus on body control, fine and gross motor coordination, space dynamics, and group interaction. The boys learn and practice the skills of throwing, catching, kicking and trapping, as well as striking, such as in baseball and hockey. Skills are introduced with instruction and demonstration, followed by individual practice, a drill reinforcing the skill, and finally a game or activity incorporating the skill in which boys practice the skills they have learned.

Grades 2-3

In daily Grades 2-3 physical education classes, students combine movement and fundamental skills for various sports. Boys continue to learn about teamwork and sportsmanship by participating on teams selected by the coaches. A wide variety of sports are introduced over the course of the school year. Athletic and movement skills continue to be presented and reinforced as students begin to show proficiency in throwing, catching, kicking, and striking. Boys learn about game strategy through teamwork, focusing on movement with and without the ball, body positioning, and different positions on teams. The students play various team games and are expected to incorporate good sportsmanship, as well as appropriate athletic strategies and skills.

Grades 4-5

Boys in Grade 4-5 build and employ their athletic and movement skills through direct instruction and practice, as well as in game situations. Boys practice game strategy through teamwork, body positioning, and by trying out different positions on teams. Student athletes are coached in incorporation of good sportsmanship practices, as well as increasingly refined strategies and skills during game play. Grade 4-5 boys are assigned to a different team for several sports units, as they participate in an intramural tournament program designed to help them develop their teamwork skills in preparation for interscholastic athletics in Middle School.