The Primary Years
The "primary years" at QACS refer to the period of development between Kindergarten and Second Grade. Our focus during these years is on providing an environment in which children can explore and extend their natural inclination to experiment and ask questions, as well as their ability to work collaboratively with others. 'Learning, laughter and love' truly come alive during these years, as each child's creativity, curiosity and sense of belonging are nurtured to create an intimate and exciting learning community.
We view the primary years as an extremely important time in the development of key dispositions toward learning and community. We strive to make each child feel valued, supported and loved - and to help them develop dreams that will drive learning in the years ahead. It is a time when we seek to expand each child's understanding of 'community' and engage them in contributing to their school and local community in developmentally appropriate ways. Whether it is making a Get Well card for a sick friend or collecting trash in one of our neighborhood parks, the children are encouraged to realize that their thoughtful actions can make a positive impact on the world.
For more detailed information on learning during the Primary Years, please download our Curriculum Guide.
The Intermediate Years
The "intermediate years" refer to the period of development between Third and Fifth Grade. The focus of learning during this time is on extending each child's passion for learning and community engagement. More emphasis is placed on children developing their own learning goals and the skills needed to allow them to be successful independent inquirers. The curriculum delves deeper and challenges the children to pose meaningful and relevant questions, generate solutions to real-life and imagined problems, express themselves articulately and convincingly, and continue to expand their sense of self and the possibilities that lay ahead for them. Children within our intermediate grades are viewed as our school leaders and are given many opportunities to nurture positive attitudes toward learning and community for children in younger grades.
For more detailed information on learning during the Intermediate Years, please download our Curriculum Guide.
Learning Festivals
Each year the Pre-K to Fifth Grade children host several 'Learning Festivals', showcasing the interdisciplinary themes they have been immersed in. The intent of these celebrations is to provide the children with a motivating audience to share their learning with, as well as give parents and other family members the chance to share in the fun of our school with us.
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