Lower School

The main objective of the art program is to provide a positive learning environment where artistic ability and individual self-expression are developed as each child is given instruction in diverse media. Students work with painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, construction, weaving, printing, and lettering, in addition to two and three dimensional projects. Elements of design and manipulation of materials are part of each project. Classroom work is coordinated with the art program and student artwork is displayed for special events on and off campus.

Southampton Academy recognizes the importance of technology and its role in our lives and our children’s future. Prekindergarten through fifth grade classes are scheduled weekly for computer science skills. The Hubbard Computer Lab contains networked PCs with filtered Internet access, color printer, iPads, Chromebooks, and digital cameras. Many classrooms are equipped with other devices with filtered Internet access. There is a campus wide wireless Meraki network for students, faculty, staff, and guests. Classroom teachers have an interactive whiteboard for instruction.

The lower school language arts program introduces students to the fundamentals of reading, spelling, writing, and grammar skills. Reading is taught through an eclectic approach including decoding words through strong phonics skills, building vocabulary, developing comprehension skills, and enhancing independent reading through positive classroom and library experiences. The goals of the program are to instill in students a love of reading and language, which aids in the development of appropriate verbal and written expression.

The library media center, centrally located on campus and staffed by a librarian offers multimedia collections for all grade levels, including over 14,000 books and 150 audiovisual materials. The center has AV equipment and computers for student use. Student access (filtered access) to the Internet is available on all computers. The librarian strives to stimulate students’ love of literature and to develop their library/research skills.

The mathematics program teaches students operational and critical thinking skills in an environment that encourages children to develop and explore concepts, solve problems and use calculators, computers, and applied math skills. Cooperative learning and extensive use of manipulates facilitate learning. Students build connections between math topics and other areas of the curriculum while developing an enjoyment of math.

The objectives of the music program are the development of good choral singing techniques, an appreciation of a variety of musical forms, an involvement in music as a performing art, and to instill a love and enthusiasm for music through rhythm activities, singing games, and listening activities. Students perform in musical productions throughout the year.

The goal of the physical education program is to provide students with a progression of basic motor skills, games, fitness activities, and attitudes, that will serve as a solid foundation for future physical skill development. Full participation, enjoyment, sportsmanship, and the development of cooperation are goals that instructors stress during class periods.

The science program is designed to offer a variety of meaningful experiences, which develop the students’ natural curiosity about themselves and the world around them. Students use the scientific method to make informed decisions in solving problems that affect their environment and daily lives. Life science, earth science, physical science, and health are studied. The science program is integrated with language and math to enhance critical thinking skills using a hands-on approach.

The social studies program is designed to promote citizenship and an awareness of functions of family, local, state, national, and global communities through the study of geography, history, economics, and government. The study of cultures of selected countries and the comparison of these cultures in integrated into the curriculum.

An after-school care program staffed by qualified adults offers supervised care, Monday through Friday, until 6:00 p.m. Each staff member has undergone a criminal record check prior to employment. A daily schedule is provided to ensure a routine and to offer such activities as computer, outdoor play, homework time, and quiet time. The school provides care on days of early dismissal as needed.