Grades K–5
Develop a mastery of early academic skills
Continue in character development
Gain greater understanding of God
Typically, children at this stage love to learn and memorize facts and information. The classical approach allows children to take advantage of this natural ability, learning through playful experiences, creative performances, and the memorization of facts through songs, rhymes and jingles. Geneva School students love to sing, dance, and clap out history timelines, science facts, Bible verses, and grammar rules, and in these ways they learn the core building blocks of all academic subjects.
Every year we fall more in love with the school: the curriculum, the staff, the community. It's such an island of beauty, faith and all the fruits of the Spirit in this city that can be so cynical. Our children love the challenge of French and chess and have been exposed to great art and music at such a young age. Thank you for putting such a feast before them!"
—Pennie M. (P'34, 35)
Mathematics
Geneva School successfully implemented Singapore math in 2009, making it one of the first schools in New York City to include it in its curriculum. Singapore math teaches fewer subjects with the goal of completion, versus the spiral approach of other math programs. It adapts well to gifted math students, allowing them to delve deeper into mathematical studies instead of reviewing and learning in the more lateral math methodology. It is playful and creative in the early years and rich in graphing tools for older students. Students appreciate the ability to tackle in-depth story problems at every grade level. Geneva School students have consistently placed above the national independent school average in CTP math assessments.
Humanities
Our literature-based curriculum establishes a strong foundation in the humanities and employs the traditional subjects of phonics, punctuation, penmanship, and formal grammar. By the end of Lower School, students will have studied ancient history, including Egyptian, Roman, and Greek periods; world history up to the early modern period, and early U.S. history. They will be prepared for further study of U.S. history and Western civilization in Upper School.
Science
The Kindergarten through Fifth Grade science curriculum is organized into trimester units to give an overview of fundamental topics in physics, chemistry, earth science, and biology. Class projects supplement the curriculum, which give students an opportunity to engage in scientific inquiry over the course of the school year. The goal is to continue to arouse enthusiasm and pique natural curiosity while teaching children how to observe carefully and introduce the vocabulary of science.
Physical Education
Physical education and movement are essential components of elementary education. Lower School students engage in formal physical education classes four days a week, where they develop motor skills, physical fitness, cognitive concepts such as traveling in different directions, awareness of rules and strategies in various sports, as well as social interactions.
Bible
Between Kindergarten and Fifth Grade, children cover a complete survey of the Bible through creative drama, song, and memorization. All Lower School children participate in daily devotions and weekly chapel services with prepared performances of Scripture, songs, and dramatic presentations.
Language
Students study French from Preschool through Third Grade. They commence their Latin studies in Fourth Grade and continue in Latin through Upper School.
Chess
Students continue formal chess lessons. Chess is beneficial during this phase of a child’s development, because it teaches higher level thinking skills such as visualization, analysis, and critical thinking.
Art
Lower School students explore a broad range of artists and mediums in art class. From Native American design to Islam's influence in Spanish architecture to Henri Matisse to Faith Ringgold, students learn to look at great works of art, create their own, and share what they have created. Students learn a broad spectrum of mediums and techniques: collage, sculpture, paint, pencil drawings, dioramas, weaving, and printmaking.
Music
Lower School students learn music according to the Kodály approach, which incorporates chorus and sight singing. They learn sight-singing skills and perform a variety of musical literature ranging in genre from classical to contemporary. The music class incorporates the students' skills as singers as well as instrumentalists. Performances include concerts and events as well as outreach concerts and competitions.