Academics

Ivy Hall teachers use the Teaching for Understanding framework out of Harvard Graduate School of Education and Project Zero. Teaching for Understanding is an approach that focuses on what students will understand as they engage in the learning activities and specifically how they will demonstrate that understanding.

Additionally, teachers are certified in Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Blended Learning strategies, for deeper and more transferable learning. Our curricula is designed to support a socratic method of discussion for discovery. Students in grades K-7 participate in and lead class socratic seminars frequently, learning effective communication and discussion skills. Finally, experiential learning is tied to specific learning outcomes and understanding goals.

Classroom management is supported by the philosophies of Love and Logic for the Classroom, allowing students to learn from their mistakes and have natural consequences.

Student Leadership is one of 4 core pillars of learning at Ivy Hall. We have been a Leader in Me school for 17 years. Our leadership development centers on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, in partnership with FranklinCovey, integrating the habits ubiquitously throughout our academic curricula, processes, social interaction, and communication. Additionally, we believe that a strong executive function focus should continue for all students throughout their K-12 experience. Students begin the year writing personal and class mission statements. Classes reflect on their End in Mind as they review their mission statements, as well as their learning objectives for daily activities. Students reflect on the goals they set at the beginning of the year and share them with their parents and student-led conferences twice a year. We encourage a growth mindset, when we enforce the belief that mistakes are how we learn. Students reflect on mistakes and successes, gaining self-efficacy. Frequent student-led service projects build empathic young leaders.

Extracurricular activities vary from year to year, based on student body interest and have included coding clubs, STEM classes, language learning, piano, viola, and guitar lessons, art, voice and music, as well as video production. Ivy Hall offers both in school and after school tutoring for students desiring additional support.

Character and values are taught in our daily morning devotional, including prayer, the pledge of allegiance, spiritual thoughts and 7 Habits application.

As a non-denominational faith based school, students offer a morning and mealtime prayer according to their individual religious traditions.

The pledge of allegiance is said every day, in accordance with our 3rd pillar of Citizenship. We support conservative, traditional values, teach founding father’s leadership, and the study of a divinely inspired constitution.

Daily reflection on one habit allows students to learn how to apply the habits in their activities. The study of the habits creates a sense of cohesiveness and accountability that leads to a culture of inclusivity and kindness.

We hear the 7 habits in casual playground conversation, as well as during classroom instruction. Students apply the principles as they go about their day at school, which extends outside of school in their homes.

Our Humanities and Science curricula are both project-based and socratic in design, supporting our instructional philosophies. The Math curriculum is application based, rather than process based and builds from year to year, teaching through story problems.
The curriculum is academically rigorous, providing ALL students the opportunities typically reserved for “honors” or “gifted” students. The curriculum is taught one grade level ahead in each classroom, and supported by the small class sizes.

In preschool through second grade, our focus on reading and phonics is supported through the programs Phonographix and Secret Stories. Students are taught to read by learning the English code and the sounds associated with symbols. Students learn sight words as well as blending of sounds in preschool. Many students in kindergarten are able to read one and two vowel words and over 100 sight words by year end.

As a school, we have doubled down on both math and literacy instruction. Reading Specialists work under the direction of our Literacy Coordinator, with individual student support as well as additional small group instruction.

Spelling, grammar, Greek and Latin, and cursive are introduced to the students beginning in the first and second grades, and continue through 5th grade.

Geography is taught beginning in kindergarten, with a focus on recognition of continents, countries, capitals, and culture. In support of our Citizenship pillar, understanding of cultures and gaining a global mindset is a valuable part of a well-rounded education.

Specialties are provided for preschool through fifth grade by expert teachers in the areas of: Music, Art, Computers, literacy, geography, PE, science, and entrepreneurship. These classes are integrated into the school day, one to two times a week, depending on the grade.

We currently offer two optional foreign languages, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. These are taught at grade level in mixed classes up to 12 students. The students are pulled out of their specialty classes when participating in language courses. Students learn vocabulary and conversation, and basic grammar, based on previous experience: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.