Children enter this world with a sense of wonder that propels them to explore, invent, and discover. At Heritage School, we want to nurture question-making, theory-testing, and goal-setting. We want our students to aim high, to forge ahead undaunted by mistakes, and to savor the intrinsic rewards that accompany active learning. A rich and varied curriculum that fosters choice within a universe of carefully planned options supports unlimited possibilities. Children are capable of thriving in an atmosphere that both nurtures and challenges, that both allows collaboration and fosters independence.  

 

We believe that in our rapidly changing world children need a solid proficiency in the foundational academic skills as well as versatility and the ability to "learn how to learn." Our curriculum is built not on a 'body of knowledge' to gather, but 'a way of working' to embrace. Study skills deserve a great deal of emphasis with even the youngest students. Heritage School operates on the premise that learning should be joyful, personal, and tailored to each child's academic needs. Informal evaluation and consultation with parents, as well as formal assessments, help determine how to individualize the program for each student.

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Testing does not drive our curriculum, nor do we use tests as motivating devices.  We use a variety of inventories and assessments for diagnostic purposes.  We rarely administer standardized tests. Also, at Heritage, we do not use letter grades. We report students’ progress by way of parent conferences, which students help lead, and via a comprehensive year-end evaluation report.  Our students contribute by completing in-depth self evaluations. The students receive individual private conferences with their teachers to review progress and discuss goals.

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Thematic studies, the heart of our curriculum, allow Heritage students to explore topics in depth, such as marine biology, the Middle Ages, Native Americans, and the human body.  Weaving together math, science, history, art, literature, and writing within thematic studies generates breadth, as well as depth, in learning.  Culminating projects, like oral presentations, international festivals, and drama foster innovation, creativity, and confidence as students share what they have learned.

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We invite you to learn more about specific areas of the curriculum, including: thematic research studies; language arts; history/social studies; math; science; the arts; and projects at Heritage School.

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Next: Our Philosophy

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