Kindergarten
For many of our Kindergarten students, this year is the first time they will be spending a full day at school. As such, teachers are intentional about designing the daily schedule to include not only the academic areas described below, but also to allow for breaks and quiet rest times, snacks, and outdoor play. Teachers also design different grouping structures throughout the day depending on the learning experience. For Morning Meeting or a math mini-lesson, students may be in a large group. For reading or math groups they may participate in smaller groups, and in learning centers they may work with one or two other children, or even individually. Teachers are careful to guide students to be successful in a variety of groups and with different types of learning experiences. For the first time students will be going on many field trips throughout the year. Many students find it exciting to take a school bus or public transportation to these curriculum-rich, hands on learning experiences. Students spend time in class learning the Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic songs, and our school prayer which allows them to participate in school wide events. In January, students experience a significant milestone when they join their schoolmates in grades 1-4 in our school wide Morning Assembly Program. This step demonstrates to students that they have developed the attention span and social skills needed to participate in this tradition, and their addition to the group is always met with excitement and celebration.
In Kindergarten, students are guided in the process of fair and responsible decision-making, and begin to see the importance of rules for physical safety and the emotional well-being of everyone in the community. By participating in the democratic process of establishing class rules and procedures, and by taking on the responsibility for completing class jobs, students gain the knowledge and tools necessary to become active and able citizens in their own communities.
An especially exciting time in the Kindergarten year occurs during the national celebration of Week of the Young Child, when the school is treated to a visit of 21 farm animals that make the trek from Pennsylvania to Hoboken. This day-long experience provides children with a hands-on connection to life on a farm, reinforcing many of the lessons they have had throughout the year related to food and agriculture. Throughout the day, Kindergarten students serve as tour guides at the farm, educating their schoolmates about the different animals they see at the farm – complete with student-created information boards created for each animal.
First Grade
By the time students enter First Grade, they are comfortable with an enjoyable day of school and are capable of participating more fully in a wide variety of academic pursuits and activities. The First Graders begin to interact even more with students in Grades 2-4 and work on a number of cross-grade projects throughout the year. Homework is now a daily activity, and students are expected to take seriously the continued development of their study skills and habits, as well as their sense of discipline and hard work. In addition to reinforcing learning that occurs throughout the day, homework may now also be used to extend student learning. A highlight for students in First Grade is the running of a traditional school-wide event, the Waffle Inn. During this event, all students in the school are treated to a special meal of waffles with all the fixings hosted by First Grade greeters, waiters, cashiers, and clean up crew.
Second Grade
In Second Grade, students begin to take pride in their independence and are required to take on increased responsibilities for classwork and homework. This is a perfect time for families to set up a private, quiet homework space at home (if they have not done so already), and to practice providing guidance and redirection while allowing more independence. Students at this age begin to understand their personal accountability to their teacher, and careful home-school communication is critical for their success. As a result of we-developed relationships between teachers and parents, students develop the skills necessary to be responsible, self-directed learners who need minimal support to complete their projects and assignments.
Third Grade
Third Grade is an exciting time at All Saints. This year represents the period in a child’s life where individual interests can truly blossom and develop at an exciting pace. Confident in their study skills and academic abilities, students in Third Grade are willing to take risks, try new ideas and engage in thought-provoking discussions on a broad variety of issues. In January, Third Graders take on the duties of running the Morning Assembly program, signaling an important milestone in their life at All Saints.
Fourth Grade
Fourth Grade is a year of growth and celebration for All Saints students. As students are exploring increasingly sophisticated topics, they are also exploring academic independence at school and at home. Students engage in individual research and writing projects, sharing their process and results with their classmates to enrich the academic experience of every student. 
For the first half of the year, students run Morning Assembly and train their Third Grade peers to take over this responsibility in January. Students also write an extensive autobiography and engage in a year-long action research study in their community. The Fourth Grade year ends with an exciting three-day trip to Cape May, New Jersey, fully financed with monies raised by the students themselves!
For a comprehensive overview of our Upper School curriculum, please download our 2009-2010 Curriculum Guide (PDF)
