University School Academics

University School has developed intentional and thoughtful school programs for our youngest students filled with experiential and hands-on learning opportunities to stimulate wonder, curiosity, and intellectual growth. University School is unique to schools in the area, in that our true educational program begins in our 3-year-old classroom.

Students receive vital direct instruction in early literacy and follow an academic curriculum that includes math, natural science, history, and art. Play is also important! Learning through both structured and unstructured play is central to their development as well: through play students learn to self-direct and self-motivate and are allowed to give free rein to their imaginative creativity. Students learn to solve problems on their own, analyze, and collaborate with others, building confidence and their sense of belonging. Kindergarten serves as the bridge into the primary grades by adding increased amounts of direct instruction in literacy and math. With multiple teachers in each classroom, there is ample opportunity for individual and small group enrichment and attention to each child’s needs.

The primary curriculum at University School is designed to meet the varied academic and social emotional needs of students while continuing to foster curiosity, self-management, and goal setting. Students lay the foundations for academic excellence and develop a passion for learning through appropriately scaled challenges, striving to be the best they can be using their own unique strengths.

Learning is designed to be as integrated as possible: literacy is woven across all curricular areas and students are presented with opportunities to connect their learning across disciplines. The Bridges in Mathematics program emphasizes acquiring skills and appropriate application rather than simple outcomes and frequent pre- and post-assessment ensures appropriate placement and understanding. The judicious use of digital tools allows for individualized enrichment, extension, and acceleration.

Middle School is a pivotal period of intellectual and personal development, our curriculum asks students to creatively tackle challenges and fully engage their personal interests and passions in their academic lives through dedicated research projects. Our middle school students can be found taking appropriate academic and social risks in a safe and supportive school environment. Students delve into discrete subjects but are continually asked to draw connections between all areas of learning.

They learn to delve beneath the surface of what they read to enrich their simple enjoyment; they learn not only the mechanics of writing, but how to unlock the power of the written word with more detailed understanding of voice and structure. Math pathways are varied and offer many advanced options, with multiple opportunities to earn high school credit. The Core Connections math program builds a sense of agency through robust understanding of mathematics conceptually and places students in real-world collaborative situations where they must listen to and learn from each other to solve problems as a team. Science is hands-on and offers opportunities to students not usually seen outside of a high school classroom. Students have options to explore electives in areas such as computer engineering and creative writing. This dynamic school setting nurtures our students to emerge as confident and well-rounded learners who know they are poised to take on bigger challenges that lie ahead.

University School has specialty curricula designed to foster students who are well-rounded and have a broad base education across many disciplines. Students of all ages learn art and music from dedicated teaching staff in both areas. These areas are further supported through co-curricular club activities available to students. Spanish instruction takes place in developmentally appropriate ways in every grade, culminating in coursework for high-school credit. Computer science education begins in 3^rd grade and continues until graduation. Middle school students have opportunities to take electives in the humanities, computer engineering, and creative writing to pursue their individual interests. University School shines brightest where students are challenged to integrate multiple disciplines in the classroom and project design. We strive to provide ample opportunities for students to apply what they learn in one area to others to promote deeper understanding.