The Anthony School Elementary Program includes students in the first through fifth grades. Placement of students in classes is done with great care, taking into consideration such factors as male/female ratios, student/teacher personalities, student/student relationships, and student individual academic strengths and needs.
The Elementary Program is rigorous and challenging. A developmental reading assessment is administered to kindergarten students. Reading skills are continually evaluated to ensure the students' academic progress. At third grade level, Social Studies/Science instruction is departmentalized. Instruction is departmentalized for Math, Science, Social Studies/History, and Grammar at fourth and fifth grade levels. Reading, Vocabulary, and Composition are also departmentalized for instruction at fifth grade level. Instruction in Music and Art, as well as Library, Computer, Physical Education, and Spanish, is provided by teachers who specialize in these subjects.
Student progress is monitored closely in a variety of ways. Benchmark testing is administered three times during the year. In addition to teacher observation and class discussions, student progress is evaluated through cooperative learning group work, daily work, and quizzes. Chapter/unit tests, oral testing (as needed), oral reports/presentations, projects, and experiments are also used in evaluation of student progress. A national achievement test is administered each year. Information regarding student progress as well as test results is communicated to parents.
Parental involvement is an important aspect of the Elementary Program. Parent participation in the learning process has a positive effect on a child's academic, social, and emotional development. Strong parental involvement in the student's academic endeavors is encouraged and cultivated by all staff members.
