Curriculum

From being able to name letters to selecting reading material based on their own interests, students at The Oaks School are immersed in a world of language early and often. Students develop appreciation and respect for literature and turn to reading for enjoyment, insights, and information. Through word study, guided reading, and book groups, students build their comprehension skills while exploring a variety of genres.  Rich and varied literature expose students to a diversity of thought and experiences while helping to develop understanding of self and others. Students learn the mechanics of reading, how to read to learn new information, and how to read critically to understand the assumptions, arguments, and perspectives of what is being read. Using the Writer’s Workshop framework, students develop their writing voices to articulate a point of view, as well as clearly and effectively construct arguments to support a specific perspective.  

Our progressive math curriculum is grounded in the belief that children construct their own mathematical understanding through problem solving and meaningful experiences. Drawing on Piaget’s theory and CGI practices, students build mathematical thinking and numerical reasoning by exploring problems in ways that connect to their prior knowledge and real-world contexts. They engage in activities that develop physical, social, and logico-mathematical knowledge, while also learning to explain their thinking, consider multiple solution strategies, and deepen their conceptual understanding. This approach fosters strong problem-solving skills, computational fluency, and the ability to apply math to authentic situations, all while communicating their reasoning effectively.

With a focus on project-based and thematic learning, students build an understanding of their own identities and appreciation for human differences. In the social studies curricula, there is a focus on how historical events connect to and inform the present day and current events. The use of primary sources and multiple perspectives help students gain knowledge, ask critical questions, and develop understanding of how people have and continue to be shaped by geography, history, belief systems, economics, socio-political systems, and culture. 

The science program engages the natural curiosity of students. Our STEM/Maker program (science, technology, engineering, and math) engages students in hands-on project building and creating. In the Maker Studio, students discover, experiment, and collaborate in a meaningful way. Physical, earth, and life sciences are explored, using a hands-on, inquiry-based approach both in and out of the classroom. Students develop an understanding of how science impacts today’s modern life. Experiences are created in order to support students’ ability to research, design, investigate, predict, classify, observe, describe, infer, and hypothesize.

Beginning with joyful and affirming books, students connect with stories and expand their understanding of and respect for differences. As students engage in units of study that highlight various aspects of identity and difference, learning about the oppressive systems that maintain disparities becomes more personal. They are then on the path to take on the roles of ally, advocate, and activist. With the goal of students becoming informed and active citizens of the world, students are asked to learn about, analyze, and critique the impacts of historical and contemporary events.