Academics

A Saratoga Independent School Education

Highlights of our educational experience include:

• Low student-to-teacher ratio allowing for more individualized instruction.
• Theme-based curriculum, consistent with NYS standards, that includes instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, physical education and Spanish.
• Multiage classes that allow students to advance at their own pace, while at the same time being challenged and encouraged by other children working at different levels.
• Differentiated education with the flexibility to adapt curriculum and how it is presented to the different abilities and learning styles that are found in the same classroom.
• Continuity within the teaching team that provides students with stability and support for several years.
• Foreign language instruction beginning in Kindergarten.
• Insightful and innovative teachers who believe in educating the whole child and have the skills to engage students at an individual level while providing opportunity for high achievement.
• Daily school-wide meetings at which even the youngest children develop the confidence to present their work and ideas to the whole community.
• Frequent school-wide activities that reinforce academic and social skills.
• A picturesque Adirondack-style campus in which students feel safe, comfortable and close to the natural beauty surrounding them.
• Hands-on projects and meaningful field trips that correlate to the themes explored in classes.
• An outdoor environment used for teaching, athletics and fun.
• A buddy system in which every child at the school develops a special relationship with a designated younger/older classmate.
• Ongoing evaluation of students' progress using authentic assessments in which students demonstrate skills and concepts they have learned and apply them to real-world tasks.
• Narrative reports and skills checklists in place of traditional letter and number grades to reflect the complex nature of learning.
• An approach to discipline and problem solving that teaches children to develop inner controls, reflect on behavior and learn from mistakes.
• On-site aftercare and after-school enrichment programs.