Art
Art introduces children to a variety of mediums and styles as well as artists and time periods. Acquisition of vocabulary and concepts support the students’ ever-growing portfolio of artwork. Students continuously expand their knowledge of elements of art and principles of design with new materials and concepts. Elements covered are line, shape, color, value, form, texture, and space. The principles of design covered are balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, and variety. In Ninth and Tenth Ages art history is incorporated into art class allowing for more in depth study and understanding of periods studied in history class.
Music
Our “Spotlight on Music” curriculum exposes our students to every period of genre of music from the Renaissance to 20th century composers through guided listening selections. Music theory and history as well as vocal techniques are a part of students’ progressive mastery in music throughout the program. Rhythm instruments, recorder, and piano are the application instruments used for performance of musical skills acquired. Vocal and instrumental performance is seen in all grade levels to promote creative expression and mastery of musical skills. Students are exposed to a digital musical experience, learning through an online program called “Tenuto,” which reinforces their music education and allows them to experience more of what they have learned.
World Languages
The curriculum is designed to awaken a child's curiosity and interest in a new language, while providing a solid foundation for further study in Middle School. Students begin learning the languages in Fifth Age through songs, finger plays, stories and hands-on projects. In Eighth Age, after choosing to pursue either French or Spanish, students focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The culture of French and Spanish-speaking countries, especially holidays and artists, are emphasized throughout the language program.
Physical Education
Physical Education provides all children, beginning in Fifth Age, with multiple opportunities for physical, mental, emotional, and social growth through active games and structured play. Children learn skills at an age-appropriate pace and gain knowledge about their own physical development. Teachers focus on developing an appreciation for physical activity that will lead to a lifetime of health and wellness. Experiences in team and individual sports, as well as movement and rhythms, are designed to help students gain skills and develop positive attitudes towards exercise, sports, and their physical abilities.
Science
Children at Calvert begin formal science instruction in Fifth Age with an exploration of the five senses, weather, animals, and plants. Science instruction is intended to give children hands-on experiences with everyday materials, familiarizing them with the world around them. Field trips, nature walks, and activities allow a child's natural curiosity to develop. Children learn about the water cycle,cells, elements, habitats, systems, magnets, matter, forces and energy, rocks, climate, and pushes and pulls. The Luetkemeyer Planetarium on campus provides children with an exciting way to examine the sky, planets, and the universe. Calvert's science program encourages children to ask and answer questions, build factual knowledge, and theorize for further examination.
Technology
Students from Fifth Age through Tenth Age attend technology class for at least thirty minutes each six-day cycle. Our Fifth and Sixth Age students have sets of iPads in their classrooms which are used primarily during math and language arts. Students in the Seventh through Tenth Age classes primarily use Chromebooks and iPads. Technology skills are taught through a series of interactive projects and activities which often align with topics covered in other subjects. Skills such as graphic design, visual mapping, keyboarding, presentation, and public speaking are introduced at age-appropriate levels. Cyber safety, cyber-bullying, digital citizenship, and responsible computer use are emphasized throughout the school year.
Library
The Lower School Library has a collection of more than 20,000 items, including fiction, non-fiction, periodicals, audio-visual material for students and their teachers. All classes from Fifth to Tenth Age have a library lesson once a week, where students listen to stories, browse and check-out books, and receive instruction in information-seeking skills. Our library information system, Destiny Quest, provides easy access to books, age appropriate and reliable websites and information-rich databases. The library curriculum is developmentally appropriate for each grade level, complementing lessons in history, geography, reading, math, and science. The librarian focuses on developing an interest in and appreciation for books and encourages students to visit the library for school work and reading for pleasure.