Academics
Elementary School
Kindergarten through 5th Grade
At St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy, our Elementary division knows that, in these formative years, students will acquire important literacy, numeracy, creativity and communication skills. They thrive in an environment where they enjoy learning and develop desire to continue learning. Our Elementary education provides a climate where students develop an ability for critical thinking and logical judgment. Our highly qualified classroom instructors incorporate a variety of multi sensory activities aligned to the weekly target skills in Language Arts, Science, Math and Social Studies to ensure students are actively engaged in the entire learning process. We remain committed to building confidence, social-emotional skills and the leadership traits that will serve them throughout their lives.
Our educational instruction has been carefully designed to offer a progression of skill development, incorporating a range of teaching strategies and methods. Our small class sizes allow for students to get the one-on-one attention and guidance they need. Our teachers are highly communicative and work closely with our families to ensure our students reach their potential.
The use of technology is integrated into every subject area. Students learn how to research and compile information, along with how to handle personal technology hardware at age appropriate levels. It is in the elementary grades that students learn how to gather resources and data, as well as to research facts about a topic while learning about safe internet searching. Elementary students learn how to use various technology platforms, software and apps. This vital component teaches them communication through technology, building skill sets through games and developing their knowledge formation on commonly used digital platforms. This establishes the infrastructure needed for using technology in the higher grade levels and post-secondary education.
Elementary students also attend weekly elective classes, which include Music, Spanish, Physical Education, Christian Education, and Art, along with the opportunity to participate in our Academy club offerings that compliment our academic learning.
Read More...At St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy, elementary students learn both inside and outside of the classroom. Our location on the Indian River provides the opportunity for students to gain interdisciplinary instruction and acquire the important skills needed for a 21st century economy. Our experiential learning model engages and accelerates learning for our elementary students. We believe that problem solving and critical thinking skills can and should be developed in our young learners. As our students transition into that consequential 3rd grade year, they shift from learning to read to reading to learn. These students begin to develop proficiency in extracting information from a variety of resources and implementing them in their school work and projects, fostering growth as an independent and capable individual.
Social-emotional learning and wellness is at the core of our Lower School Physical Education. Our students learn sports and the practice of movement patterns, motor skills, and fitness concepts. Our students develop an awareness and acceptance of self and others in a physical setting. Students acquire self-management, critical thinking, collaboration and relationship skills, sportsmanship and an appreciation for physical activity. Students have the opportunity to join a club. These clubs are based on student interest and include Robotics, Health & Wellness, Board Games & Strategy, Writing, Arts & Crafts, Christian leadership and History.
The Academy integrates our Christian Education in age-appropriate learning. Our ECE and Kindergarten students attend special weekly Academy chapel services that are suitable for young learners , with 1st through 5th grade students attending the formal weekly chapel service. As a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools, we include a weekly chapel service that is creative, inclusive, draws fully upon the liturgical resources of The Episcopal Church, and is a regular part of school life for all faculty and students. Community Life, in which reflection, prayer, and matters of the spirit are honored and cultivated and the physical, mental, and emotional health of all are supported and nurtured. Religious Formation and Study that is meaningful, academically substantive, and age-appropriate; and in teaching the Christian tradition, fosters dialogue with other faith traditions. Social Justice, which is the integration of the ideals and concepts of equity, justice, and a just society throughout the life of the school; the embracing and honoring of diversity; and the inclusion of community service and service-learning as an integral part of the life of the school.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy K – 5 instructors set the expectations for our students’ outlook towards education. Sparking the student’s interest at a young age is a critical part of their learning development. Our outstanding faculty keeps learning engaging and memorable and sets up the value of lifelong learning in the minds of our students. Our students are encouraged to seek their own solutions and to ask their own questions. Our instructors help each child develop metacognition, which helps them achieve at higher levels. This is important because curiosity is key to developing intrinsic motivation for learning.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy’s Elementary students have the advantage of small class sizes and a nurturing environment to grow and develop. Each student is valued as an individual in a challenging, yet safe environment. Our instructors deeply understand our students’ strengths and capabilities, allowing them to thrive and grow. Student success comes from giving children the tools to be confident learners and surrounding them with a community committed to helping them learn. We want our elementary school students to head into middle school curious and skilled at thinking and be able to see the world from different perspectives.
To learn more or set up a personalized tour, please contact the Admissions office at 772-461-7689.
