General
The curriculum reflects our commitment to support children in developing a solid base of skills and knowledge as well as in maintaining their creative spirit through discovery and experimentation. It recognizes and values different learning styles and intelligences of children, teaching styles of faculty, and life experiences of all members of the UFS community. Teachers actively participate in the development and revision of each curricular area. Our curriculum guidelines are available for you to view in the School Office.
Multi-aged Groupings
Multi-aged (mixed age) group classrooms provide a setting that is rich in diverse learning styles, abilities and points of view. Students thrive in a cooperative environment that encourages peer teaching and flexible learning opportunities.
Language Arts
The acquisition of literacy and communication skills through Language Arts instruction is the core of the curriculum. Throughout the program, students engage in activities designed to develop oral, written and visual language. Our balanced literacy program is workshop based and integrates the interrelated and interdependent processes of reading, writing, spelling, grammar, handwriting, speaking and listening. Some specifics include:
- Reading: In the early years, children read leveled books that encourage them at their current level and challenge them to grow. As student's reading proficiency increases, they can choice from a variety of fiction and non-fiction that piques their interest and challenges them to improve their comprehensive skills.
- Writing: Instruction begins in preschool when children are invited to make sounds symbol connections. As the skills increase throughout the grades, students publish self-authored stories; write class newspapers, journals, letters,essays and reports.
- Spelling: Teachers assess students' developmental levels into one of five stages that align with reading development stages. It is based on research that suggests "an informed analysis of students' spelling can cue timely instruction in phonics and vocabulary."
Library
The library curriculum supports the language arts program and is comprised of three major areas: literature appreciation, library skills, research and technology skills.
Math
UFS's math curriculum uses a spiral approach in the presentation of mathematical principles allowing for individual differences in the manner and timetable in which students acquire knowledge. Our 7th and 8th grade program teaches pre-algebra and algebra courses.
Social Studies and Science
Social studies and science topics are taught in integrated, discovery units. Teachers determine their selection of topics by considering several factors including their expertise and experience, students' needs and interest, current events, and availability of resources.
The cycle of units repeat every 3 years as follows:
Social Studies
Year 1: One or more topics on:
North America, South America, Antarctica
Year 2: One or more topics on:
Africa, Oceania, United States
Year 3: One or more topics on:
Europe, Asia, United States
Science
The cycle of units is as follows:
Year 1 - Physical Science: Topics include:
Electricity, sound, light, chemistry, magnets, simple machines, transportation, energy
Year 2 - Earth/space Science: Topics include:
Astronomy, geology, oceanography, dinosaurs, prehistoric life, weather
Year 3 - Life Science: Topics include:
Human body, animals, plants
Ongoing or additional topics include:
History, government, geography, design technology, media awareness, research skills, current events, map skills, culture, nutrition, health and hygiene, holidays and traditions, endangered species, ecology, safety, pet care, tobacco, alcohol, and drug awareness.
The Arts
The art program is a multidisciplinary program that encourages students to find a personal, creative voice through broad arts experiences.Throughout the year, specific guest residencies, outside exhibition visits, and performances enhance the classroom activities in visual arts, dance, music, and theater.
Our music program is a comprehensive program designed to provide opportunities for students to increase their knowledge and skills and expand their attitudes to make musical expression a meaningful part of everyday life.
Spanish
Spanish is taught from pre-school (4's) through eighth grade.
The pre-school - 6th grade program cultivates a child's natural ability to learn the pronunciation of a foreign language and strives to develop sensitivity and openness to Hispanic and Spanish cultures. The 7th and 8th grade program encourages development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills using textbooks as well as other materials.
Spirituality
Consistent with Quaker values, United Friends School seeks to emphasize the Light of God within each individual. We foster the practices and principles of Quakerism as an experiential part of school life, focusing on the testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Service, and Equality. We accomplish this through: meeting for worship and meeting for business, the history of Quakerism,service and outreach projects, practicing non-violent conflict resolution techniques, and making decisions by consensus.
Physical Education:
The physical education program seeks to develop an appreciation for the importance of good health through an understanding of nutrition and fitness. The program also seeks to introduce students to athletic activities from simple movements at the youngest levels to more complex functions with the older students.
Design Technology
Our design technology curriculum is to broaden children's knowledge of their environment and provide opportunities for students to develop skills in investigation, invention, implementation, and evaluation.