Academic Excellence

Reading
Emphasis is placed on developing oral comprehension, fluency, and expression. There is also a significant focus on reading to learn. Children are divided into groups that work at different levels using a variety of materials, including a critical thinking skill builder and the Houghton Mifflin reading series. Students also read The Sign of the Beaver, American Tall Tales, Number the Stars, Shiloh, and Call It Courage. Independent reading is encouraged both in school and at home.

Writing and Grammar
Heavy emphasis continues to be placed on writing skills in Tenth Age. Children learn to develop mature and interesting sentences, using compelling adjectival and adverbial phrases. They learn to organize and develop coherent paragraphs with topic sentences and descriptive details. Children write book reports, business letters, and descriptive, expository, persuasive, and creative compositions. Grammar skills remain paramount, emphasized in writing exercises and during weekly class instruction that focuses on parts of speech and sentence formation.

Spelling
Teachers use the Everyday Spelling series and the accompanying computer program to help children learn different types of spelling patterns and more difficult words, as well as expand the vocabulary and word recognition skills of the children.

Mathematics
Children continue to develop number concepts by reading, representing, and ordering numbers. They also begin to develop an understanding of decimal place value and practice the four operations using bigger numbers, fractions, and decimals. Children investigate and solve problems with circumference, perimeter, volume, and area, and develop word problem solving strategies.

History and Geography
History and Geography focus on North America starting with the Native American tribes culminating with significant events of 20th Century. Children read A Child's History of Calvert School and learn the history and traditions that are unique to Calvert, providing a clear understanding of both their country and their school. Geography is integrated with History with a focus on characteristics and natural features of North America landscapes.

Art History
Art History closely aligns with what the children are learning in History. The course begins with a study of Pre-Columbian art of Meso America and continues through Native American art, colonial art, and art from the Civil War and 20th Century.